Symptoms & Treatment of Feline Uterine Pyometra: A Comp

Causes of Feline Pyometra:

Age is a significant factor in the development of pyometra in female cats. The condition is often closely associated with the age of the cat, with unpregnant females or those that have repeatedly mated without conception being at higher risk. As a cat ages, the likelihood of endometrial cystic hyperplasia increases, which can lead to pyometra.

Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections are a common external cause of pyometra in cats. These often occur when the cervix relaxes during estrus, allowing bacteria to enter the uterus. The primary bacteria responsible for pyometra are Escherichia coli, which are often sourced from feces and are the same bacteria associated with concurrent urinary tract infections. This is directly related to cats frequently sitting on the ground, where their vulva may come into contact with the surface. Additionally, improper hygiene during mating with male cats can also be a significant source of bacterial infection.

Hormonal Factors: The impact of reproductive hormones on the animal's body is the main hormonal factor involved.

Symptoms of Feline Pyometra:

Cats with pyometra may exhibit symptoms such as an increased abdominal circumference, sensitivity upon palpation, elevated body temperature, and the presence of purulent discharge from the vulva. Ultrasound imaging, after ruling out pregnancy, ascites, and tumors, can reveal thickened and enlarged uterine horns, thinning uterine walls, and dark fluid shadows within the uterus, indicating a large amount of cloudy fluid.

Treatment for Feline Pyometra:

Open pyometra is typically treated with uterine lavage. This procedure differs from that in dogs, as the first step is to anesthetize the affected cat. Once the cat is adequately anesthetized, a soft and smooth catheter is inserted into the uterus, and the uterus is flushed. This process is repeated until the fluid becomes clear, and the final flush includes a solution of penicillin. It's crucial to ensure that the lavage fluid is at a comfortable temperature.

After the cat wakes up, medications for inflammation, pain relief, and uterine cleaning are administered. The uterine lavage should be performed three times, once daily. A followup examination is conducted one week later, using blood tests, ultrasounds, and Xrays to assess the treatment's effectiveness and determine whether further lavage is necessary.

In cases of closed pyometra, if conservative treatment is chosen, medication should be administered before uterine lavage to determine if the cervix is relaxed and not obstructed before proceeding with the lavage.