Was my dog in pain?

Question

One of my dogs has just had an "emergency speying" after being diagnosed with Pyometra (septic uterus). She did not display any of the classic symptoms of the disease, in fact it was only by chance that I noticed the discharge of pus from her genital area. Being male and not having the relevant organs I wouldn't know, but some females have told me that the dog must have been in incredible pain. Would this be true?

This poor girl hasn't had a good start in life. She came to me 2 months ago as a 13-14 month old pup, grossly underweight and in a dreadful condition. With a good BARF diet and some TLC I'm slowly getting her "right". She is an amazing animal. She has shown no obvious sign of her illness, she eats enthusiastically, has been the instigator of play fights, chases and other doggy fun with my other GSD and other neighbourhood dogs.

Her illness was diagnosed as an open Pyometra which perhaps gave me the only indication that something was wrong because of the unnatural discharge. This girl is a "survivor", she will recover and do well. I feel bad that I may have missed something and let her down.

Answer 1

I don't think it would've been pain she was in, more feeling incredibly ill.

Having a uterus myself, I can say that any pain it causes (and it does) is from period pains, when the uterus is actually cramping, the contractions of child birth, or when you have a condition like endometriosis or polycystic ovaries. An infection - which is what pyometra is - is different to any of these, and can cause a high temperature. I therefore think it would feel more like having a really bad bout of flu if anything.

Did you doggy seem quiet and depressed? This is usually a sign of feeling ill rather than pain - pain tends to cause restlessness and vocalisation. Go with your gut, you know your dog best. I've seen early pyometras where the dog seemed perfectly fine though - it sounds like this was caught early, so it's possible your dog didn't even feel ill yet.

The most important thing is of course you caught it in time and your doggy is going to be OK now!

Chalice

Answer 2

Pyometra can be a fatal illness, so you are very lucky she was operated on when she was. It is a very unpleasant condition where the uterus basically gets invaded with bacteria and germs from the outside and becomes infected with toxic pus. This can lead to toxins building up in the bloodstream, making your dog feel very unwell.

They usually feel very lethargic, very sick and do not want to eat or do anything, but may drink more than usual. I am not sure that it is actually painful as such, but it would have made her feel very sick.

To avoid this, i urge all dog owners to get their female dogs spayed when they are young, at around 6months-1 year of age, then this would never happen.

I hope your dog makes a full recovery

Answer 3

I think you can congratulate yourself on being so observant as many dogs die from this disease because it is not identified until too late.

Dogs do show signs of pain - lethargy not eating, dull eyes panting but also actual pain - my dog had an op that was badly done - when he touched the side he had been operated on accidentally he just about hit the ceiling with pain - there was no doubt and I think you would have known had your dog been in pain as well

Answer 4

First of all, POOR dog and POOR you. I am sure your dog would have let you know if she was in pain....all animals do. She would have been tired, not eating or playing. Did she just have puppies??? My sister's dog got the same thing after she had puppies and she didn't even know until she saw pus in her genital area as well. The mother dog was too busy feeding pups to play or socialize much with the family.

Answer 5

There are 2 types of pyometra - open and closed. In open, the cervix relaxes and releases a large amount of pus. The bit ches with this type don't seem as sick as those with closed. In the closed type (and they usually vomit and have diarrhea), as well as high fever, rapid pulse and shock. In this type, there is pain from the lower abdomen swelling.

So, it would depend on which type your girl had. But in any case, you caught it in time, and she'll be fine now!! Hope her recovery goes well.

Answer 6

I don't believe she would have been in pain, she would have felt very unwell, as anyone with a severe infection would. I'm sure you would have noticed if she had been in pain. Good job she had an observant owner - many b1tches aren't discovered to have this until it is too late. Hope she makes a speedy recovery.

Answer 7

I think she would have been showing symptons of distress. Well done you for spotting the problem and seeking immediate treatment. She`s lucky to have such a caring "Daddy". I wish her a speedy recovery.

Answer 8

I think you would have known if your dog was in pain. She would have been off her food, lethargic, and dogs do let you know when they're in pain. Don't distress yourself, concentrate on getting your pal well.

Answer 9

im sure if she was in pain you would have known she would have yelped at least