An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure…Even When You Only Weigh a Few Pounds

Coco is a darling, cocoa-brown Chihuahua and a full-time beloved companion. Last Christmas Eve, she fell gravely ill.  Usually spunky and always hungry, this tiny girl wouldn’t get out of bed to walk or play, and she was even refusing her favorite foods.  

Her human daddy knew something was terribly wrong and sought help. It turned out Coco had a deadly condition called pyometra, which required emergency surgery to save her life. 

Fortunately, Coco and her human were able to access the care she needed through the SAGE Compassion for Animals (SAGEC4A) grant program. Coco would not have survived pyometra without the team of amazing folks who helped provide her with this life-saving operation.

As part of its mission, SAGEC4A hopes to prevent emergencies like Coco’s by educating pet parents on how to provide effective, preventative healthcare to their beloved companion animals.  Fortunately, pyometra is one of those diseases that is absolutely preventable. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Pyometra?

Pyometra is a disease of unspayed female animals in which the uterus becomes infected and filled with pus.  Toxins and bacteria can then enter the bloodstream and make your dog (or cat) really sick.  She may not want to eat, may start to vomit, or may drink excessive amounts of water.  She may have pus draining from her vagina, though sometimes there is not any drainage.  Pyometra is a painful and life-threatening condition.

Can Cats Get Pyometra?

Yes.  Cats who are not spayed can also get uterine infections. Not surprisingly, cats are even better than dogs at hiding the signs and symptoms of pyometra.

How is Pyometra Cured?

Surgery is the only cure for pyometra.  The veterinary surgeon will perform a spay surgery to remove the infected uterus, but this surgery is riskier than spaying a healthy dog or cat because the animal is now sick with toxins and bacteria.  The infected uterus is also much more fragile and difficult to remove than a healthy uterus. Recovery from surgery may be more complicated and can require a longer hospital stay. Finally, this is a much more expensive surgery because of its difficult nature and the urgent circumstances.

How Do I Prevent Pyometra?

Easy!  Spay your healthy pet now.  You can then guarantee she will never have to suffer this painful, life-threatening disease. And you won’t have to endure the stress and expense of caring for a furry loved one whose life hangs in the balance.

Money Tight?

Low cost spay services are readily available from a number of resources in your community.  Check out the local options on SAGEC4A’s Resources page under the link for Spay & Neuter Resources, and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Coco Today

Happily, Coco is home and thriving after her surgery and an overnight stay in the veterinary hospital. She’s returned to her playful, loving self, and she and her daddy couldn’t be happier. 

Coco is just one of SAGEC4A’s many success stories. Click here to read more about her…or about Bentley, Marshmallow, Toto, Baffy, and dozens of other beloved companions saved through the SAGE Compassion for Animals grant program.