As it’s said and believed that dogs are best friend of humans. Some dogs tend to stand out from the dogs species because of their nature and looks. One of them is Labrador.
Labradors are the most renowned breed of dogs around the world. They are very likeable because of their cute and beautiful features. And also for their playful and friendly nature. They are also known or called as Lab in short. Labradors vary in breeds . They can be found from large breed of Labradors to medium breed of Labradors. Labradors are found in different colours from solid black , yellow , creamy , fox red, brown, medium brown, etc. They also tend to different from each other in nature , height and weight, depending upon the breed , diet and health of each one of them.
Taking care and upbringing a Labrador is still not an easy task. As in to maintain proper hygiene, proper nutritious diet, observation, training , adapting healthy habits are to be looked after. A lot of health issues may also arise every now and then. And so proper medical knowledge and training is a must
What is Pyometra ?
Pyometra is one of the life threatening uterine infection found in dogs. It is always found in female dogs. It always needs immediate medical attention and effective treatment.
Pyometra is a life threatening disease caused by bacterial infection found inside the uterus of the female dogs. Often female dogs are found infected by pyometra mostly after or during their pregnancy stages.
The major sign of pyometra is that there is accumulation of fluids or pus in the uterus of the dog. Which causes enlargement of uterus of the dogs.
There are various symptoms of this life threatening condition which are to be carefully observed and noted. However they may differ and not be exactly same for all the dogs suffering from pyometra.
Symptoms of Pyometra:
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargic
- Often very thirsty.
- Bloated belly.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Frequent urination.
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
There are many more such symptoms related to pyometra in dogs. As mentioned above symptoms can always differ from dogs to dogs depending upon the intensity of the infection or the type of bacteria or from any sort of medical conditions.
Types of Pyometra in Labrador Retrievers
There are two types of pyometra in labrador retrievers.
They are named as :-
- Open pyometra.
- Closed pyometra.
1.Open Pyometra:-
Cervix of the dog would be open in the case of open pyometra . Excretion of pus through the vulva from the inside of uterus which is accumulated.
The colour of the pus may vary that is it can be either creamy , yellow, greenish or bloody. Depending upon the infection.
2.Closed Pyometra:-
Closed type of pyometra is considerably more dangerous than compared to open pyometra.
As the cervix of the dog is closed in this type of pyometra. Resulting in the accumulation of pus inside the uterus leaving no way for excretion of pus or fluid to move out.
It causes infection to spread within the body of the dog.
Which can cause some serious damage to organs resulting in to blood poisoning, kidney failure, toxaemia and will eventually lead to death.
So this type of pyometra always requires immediate medical attention, effective treatment and care.
No matter however the dangerous is the case that of pyometra infection it can always be cured and treated in it’s initial stages .
The information about some of the methods and treatments which are used to treat pyometra in labrador retriever are given below.
Treatment of Pyometra in Labradors
Spaying is known as the most effective treatment for pyometra. As it not only treats the pyometra infection in dogs but it also prevents from it’s happening again in the future.
The procedure of spaying is such that the ovaries and the pus filled uterus are removed. It is not only one of the most effective and promising method but also the fastest method to deal such life threatening condition of the dogs.
After the removal of ovaries and uterus there is no chance of pregnancy and also happening of the pyometra infection again to the dog.
Though there are very few rare cases stating to have pyometra again even after the removal of the ovaries and the uterus of the dogs. It is called ‘stump pyometra’.
Non-surgical methods are also used to treat pyometra . But they can be quiet painful too. As it takes more time to heal and also the dogs have to go through all the pain.
In cases such as when a labrador is younger then 2 years old spaying is not an option for them. So the veterinarian suggest such owners a non-surgical method. This option is often opted by breeders as spaying results no pregnancy for the dogs.
The non-surgical method’s procedure is such that the veterinarian suggest using hormones commonly prostaglandin and aglepristone. Some times even a combination of both depending upon requirement of the dog’s health.
One more promising method which ensures to treat both open pyometra and closed pyometra both.
This method is nothing but the administration of synthetic hormones using the trans cervical endoscopic catheterization method. The procedure of this method is infusing prostaglandin F-2a in the uterus. It results in contraction of organ and expelling bacterial infection , fluid and pus.
To check if the treatment was successful or not an ultrasound is done exactly after two days from procedure. To see whether there is sign of any fluid or not. If the fluid is detected again the same procedure is done again until there’s no sign of it.
Conclusion
Even though pyometra is a dangerous disease but there is a cure for it but anyhow prevention is better than cure.
The Labrador owners should keep check on the health and hygiene of their dearest Labradors so that they don’t have to undergo any surgery or any such medical treatment that would be painful for them.
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