Treatment of Feline Pyometra Infections

Pyometra often happens to a cat that was not fertilized after a heat cycle.  It is a very serious hormonal condition which can end in the death of a cat.  With the passing of time, the cat may become sensitive to selective hormones or overproduce them.  When a pyometra reaches this point; small pockets of pus will form in the uterus and set the stage for the beginning of a bacterial infection.  The cat’s body will produce white blood cells in response to the infection. 

Treatment of feline pyometra calls for a course of action including a round of antibiotics, to treat the infection and the administration of IV fluids given to treat dehydration.  The best and most effective method of treatment is spaying the infected cat.  Spay (ovariohysterectomy) surgery entails the surgical removal of the ovaries and the uterus. 

Pyometra surgery is much more complicated than a regular spay, but will have the same end result.  The infected uterus and ovaries can be surgically removed at this time, preventing a future incident of a pyometra infection.  Cats, who are not surgical candidates, can be treated with prostaglandin therapy.  If surgery is not performed and the cat remains intact, a pyometra infection can return at a later time.