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Owner resilience and home health

Pyometra: an urgent womb infection

Recognise possible pyometra and seek urgent veterinary assessment.

Who is at risk?

Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus, particularly in unspayed females, often after a season. It can become life-threatening. A dog can deteriorate quickly; online checks cannot exclude it. Tell the veterinarian when the last season occurred and any previous reproductive surgery.

Discharge may be absent

With an open cervix, abnormal discharge may be visible. With a closed cervix, infected material is retained, so there may be no discharge. Watch for increased thirst/urination, vomiting, reduced appetite, unusual tiredness, abdominal swelling or pain. These signs have other causes too, but need professional assessment.

Do not wait

Call urgently if pyometra is suspected; collapse or marked deterioration requires emergency care. Do not wait for all signs or for discharge to appear, and do not treat with leftover antibiotics. The veterinarian may recommend emergency treatment including surgery. Emergency guidance.

Next steps

Reproductive Health & Neutering

Evidence and review

Owner information, not diagnosis, an individual dose or personal legal advice. Follow the treating veterinary team’s plan. Legal, medicine-supply and poison-service statements apply only to the labelled jurisdiction; general care principles do not establish local rules.

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Female dogs in season

Understand the signs, keep your dog comfortable and prevent unplanned mating. Choose a short guide for the question you have today.

About this guidanceReview details and sources

Evidence and review

Last reviewed 3 October 2026.

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