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Just as we were finishing up repairing the results of a Lab/Boxer fight, we got a call from Heidi, whose 8-year-old cat just did not seem well. Scribbles was not eating well and was not running around like she used to. We asked Heidi to bring in Scribbles right away. |
We examined Scribbles, and in the process, found that this intact female cat's temperature was 104°F (a cat's normal temperature is between 101° and 103°F) and that she had a green discharge coming from her vulvar area. We suspected pyometra, an infected uterus. We recommended surgery to remove the diseased organ. The owners agreed to the surgery.
Prior to anesthesia, we performed some baseline blood tests to better ascertain the impact of her infection on her other systems and to help us select the most appropriate anesthetic regimen. We started her on intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and prepared her for surgery later that day.
We anesthetized Scribbles, and when we opened her abdomen, we found an enlarged uterus, filled with fluid (pus). We removed the uterus and ovaries. We provided medications for pain and continued the antibiotics. Two days later, Scribbles was eating well and her temperature was normal. She went home with antibiotics, and when we reexamined the cat at the follow-up, she was happy, healthy, and back to her old self.
Pyometra or pyometritis (pus and inflammation of the uterus) are conditions that are far too common in
un-spayed female dogs and also in cats. This is another good reason to spay or neuter your pet unless you are an experienced breeder.
