The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Unspayed Pets Susceptible to Potentially Fatal Infections, Massive Swelling The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Unspayed Pets Susceptible to Potentially Fatal Infections, Massive Swelling

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Unspayed Pets Susceptible to Potentially Fatal Infections, Massive Swelling


At the ASPCA, we encourage all pet parents to spay/neuter their pets. There are so many benefits associated with these procedures, but many pet parents may not be aware that it can be dangerous to not spay their pets until it’s almost too late.

One day last spring, Sandra R. noticed that her eight-year-old cat, Petra, wasn’t eating. Her belly distended, she vomited and was lethargic—far from her normal self. Sandra decided to bring Petra to the ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH).

Petra was suffering from a pyometra, an infection of the uterus that that can be fatal in cats and dogs.  Pyometra usually occurs in older females, with about 25 percent of them suffering from pyometra before the age of 10. Radiographs showed Petra’s distended belly containing a greatly enlarged uterus filled with pus. Once removed by Dr. Maren Krafchik, the uterus weighed almost three lbs.—a third of Petra’s total weight. Fortunately, Petra has since made a full recovery.

Dogs are equally susceptible to pyometra infection.  Gershon C., a retired sanitation worker who lives in Queens, took notice when his 10-year-old Rottweiler, Princess, had not eaten for several days and was drinking water excessively.

He brought her to the ASPCA, where veterinarian Dr. Marisa Altieri suspected a pyometra.  Her diagnosis was spot on, and an ultrasound showed that Princess’s uterus had ruptured in two places. Dr. Altieri set about surgery immediately, removing the uterus, which weighed 20 lbs.

To read more on this story, click here: Unspayed Pets Susceptible to Potentially Fatal Infections, Massive Swelling

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