Pyometra in dogs – signs and what to do

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

See a vet now

This is an emergency – contact your vet or the nearest emergency vet right now. Pyometra is an infection of the womb.

What to do now

What you can do now

  1. Contact your vet now
  2. Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see
  3. Take a photo or short video to show the vet
  4. Keep fresh water available
  5. Let your dog rest somewhere calm

Don't

  • Do not give any human medicine
  • Do not wait if it gets worse

What it is

Pyometra is a womb infection.[1] It is a very serious condition that is common in unneutered female dogs.[1]

Signs

  • Pus leaking from the vulva or vagina
  • Drinking more than usual
  • Vomiting
  • A bloated abdomen or tummy
  • Lethargy or low energy
  • Not eating properly
  • Collapse

Causes and risk factors

  • Being an unneutered female dog

How a vet finds out

  • A physical examination
  • Urine tests
  • An ultrasound scan of the womb

How vets treat it

  • Emergency surgery to remove the infected womb
  • Fluids or a drip
  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relief
  • Medication

What the experts say

“Most dogs require emergency surgery to remove their infected womb. Your dog is likely to need a fluid drip to keep her hydrated, especially if she has been vomiting. Alongside surgery, your dog will need pain relief and may need antibiotics.”

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

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Common questions

What signs can pyometra cause in dogs?

Signs can include pus leaking from the vulva or vagina, drinking more than usual, vomiting, a bloated abdomen, lethargy, not eating properly and collapse.[1]

How does a vet diagnose pyometra?

A vet may use a physical examination, an ultrasound scan of the womb and urine tests to diagnose pyometra.[1]

How do vets treat pyometra?

Treatment usually includes emergency surgery to remove the womb, fluids or a drip, medication, pain relief and may include antibiotics.[1]

Sources

  1. PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

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