Expert: Marcia Owen - 7/12/2009

Question
I keep reading about pyo in Queens.  What is this and is there any cure for it.  I'm new in the cattery side and have 3 Queens that have gone awhile without a litter and 2 of them have mated and so far nothing.

Answer
Dear Hazel

A 'pyo' stands for pyometra, and is a infection of the womb.  There are two types, a closed pyometra or an open pyometra.  The second one is the more common and the first signs you would see is pus coming from the vagina.  Often at this stage your cat is not showing signs of any problems but she may leave deposits on your lap or on the chair after she has been there.  Though serious, it is possible in a lot of cases to clear it up without having to neuter your cat.  Early treatment is the most effective and can be done by one or two routes.  One is with antibiotics only and the other is with the use of prostaglandins which your vet would be able to help with, with a course of antibiotics afterwards.  

A closed pyometra is not so good as you don't usually have any signs until the cat is really ill.  I do know of one case where it was successfully treated with antibiotics but the more usual case with this type is that the cat has to be neutered.

If a cat has had a pyometra it is usually recommended to mate as quickly as possible once they are well again and to put the cat on antibiotics for approx the first four weeks of pregnancy.

I hope this helps.

Marcia.