Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/25/2008

Question
My dog is a 7 year old female.Never been spayed and never mated.she has been whining and we got an x-ray done on her.There was a lump at her abdomen.The vet suspects a blood clot or pyometra.She is on antibiotics now,but her stomach is quite hard.The vet is hesistant to perform an operation because she is quite a big dog.(abt 35kg).What should we do?the vet says the operation is risky,but my dog is not her usual self.She hasn't eased herself for 2 days.

Answer
Hello -

You should get a second opinion concerning your dog.  If in fact your dog may have an infected uterus it is imperative that she receive  treatment as soon as possible.  Antibiotics can be effective, but an emergency spay  is the best way to treat pyometra.  By not having the surgery, you risk  rupture of the uterus which can lead to an infection in the abdomen that can lead to potentially fatal peritonitis.  

Antibiotic therapy can work but can be risky depending on the degree of the infection.  Get her examined as soon as possible.

Best Regards

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM