Pyometra

Pyometra is a condition that occurs in female, un-spayed dogs, where their uterus becomes infected,
leading to life-threatening illness. Middle-aged and older female dogs who have not been spayed are
at risk for pyometra.

What causes it?

When a female dog is ready for pregnancy, her body will prevent immune system cells (i.e., white
blood cells) from entering the uterus, because they would interfere with fertilization.
In addition, the lining of the female dog’s uterus will thicken for several weeks so her body is prepared
to carry a litter. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining of the uterus will get thicker and thicker during
each of her fertile cycles (known as “heat”). Eventually, the lining will be so thick that cysts will form.
Also during this time, the muscles of the uterus and cervix (i.e., the entrance to the uterus) are
weakened. A relaxed cervix is necessary for fertilization, but it also means that bacteria can enter
more easily. Weakened muscles of the uterine wall means that bacteria can’t be expelled–normally,
the uterus would be able to contract itself to expel infected fluid.
The combination of an absence of white blood cells, a lining covered in cysts, and weakened muscles
creates the perfect environment for a severe bacterial infection—known as pyometra.

What are the signs?

If the dog’s cervix is still relaxed, there will be pus and abnormal discharge draining out. This is known
as open pyometra.
If the cervix is closed, which is the more dangerous situation, the pus will accumulate and cause the
dog’s abdomen to swell. This is called closed pyometra. This will cause severe symptoms very
quickly, including weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
An increase in water consumption and urination is a symptom is both open and closed pyometra,
because the body is trying to flush the toxins released by the bacterial infection.

How is the diagnosis made?

If there is discharge from the cervix or a bloated abdomen in an older female dog that has not been
spayed, these are indicators that diagnostic tests should be done to confirm whether a dog has
pyometra.

Diagnostics would include a blood test to look at the white blood cell count and level of globulins in
the blood. A urine test would also be conducted, because normally the concentration of urine is low
due to the dog drinking an abnormally large amount of water.
As for looking for structural abnormalities, an x-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen could be done to
see if the uterus is enlarged. An ultrasound can also identify thickened uterine walls and the presence
of fluid in the uterus.


What is the treatment?

If pyometra is not treated, and quickly, the bacteria in the uterus will produce toxins that will most
likely be fatal to the dog. Additionally, in closed pyometra, the uterus may rupture and leak into the
body, also causing death. It’s very important to immediately seek care from a veterinarian for this
condition if you suspect your dog may have it, especially because treatments are more effective the
earlier the condition is diagnosed.
There are two treatments for pyometra: surgical and medical. In the surgical treatment, the uterus and
ovaries are removed (also known as “spaying”). This procedure is more complex than spaying a dog
who is in good health, because in most cases, infection has already weakened the dog significantly.
Antibiotics and IV fluids are also administered to the dog when using this method.
The other approach for treating pyometra is the medical treatment. Usually, owners who are using the
dog for breeding may opt for this method, because it doesn’t involve spaying the dog. In this
treatment, the dog is given hormones, called prostaglandins, that relax the cervix and cause the
uterine muscles to squeeze out infected pus.
The medical treatment for pyometra comes with numerous risks and it’s efficacy is not guaranteed.
For open pyometra, it has a success rate of 75-90%, but for closed pyometra, the success rate is
between 25-40%. Also, there is a high chance of reoccurrence for pyometra using this
treatment—about 50-75%. Moreover, the chance of successfully breeding the dog after it recovers is
reduced to 50-75%.

McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.

Author: Admin at McQueen Animal Hospital

Continue ReadingPyometra
Read more about the article Rule 333 for rescue dogs
Homeless dog behind bars in an animal shelter.

Rule 333 for rescue dogs

You rescued a dog, are you wondering how long it will take for your rescue dog to adapt ? What steps you can take to make this transition faster and easier.

The 3-3-3 rule when adopting a dog is a really useful application to understand the 3 phases a rescue pup or dog will go through when adjusting to a new living situation.
You as a new pet parent also need to understand that adopting a rescue dog or pup does bring excitement but also
unfortunately stress and worry at the same time.
You will probably have a lengthy list of questions. Lucky for you , you are in the right place.

What is the 3-3-3 Rule when adopting a dog?

The 3-3-3 rule also known as the ‘RESCUE DOG HONEYMOON PERIOD’ represents the common milestones your new rescue dog or pup will go through. It is the first 3 days, 3 weeks , 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter.
Before we dig deeper into the 3-3-3 rule i highly recommend having access to a veterinarian as well as a trainer. This will ensure you are starting your doggy off on the right paw!!!

Some key point’s to keep in mind about the 3-3-3 rule

  • Trick training is a wonderful way of building confidence as well as a bond- for everyone involved.
  • Talk to the dog. Dogs *can* learn basic words and phrases and knowing which weird human ritual is about to
    happen can help them feel safer.
  • Use a happy voice when communicating with your pup
  • Give your dog lots and lots of rest and quiet. Also give them time to take in their new surroundings
  • Have a safe cozy bed where they can see what’s going on but know no one will bother them there
  • Give your new pup a routine

First 3 days

Your new dog will be overwhelmed with his new surroundings. They will not be comfortable enough to be themselves. Don’t be alarmed if they doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. They may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. They may be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or they may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, kind of like a teenager.

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Maybe scared and unsure of what is going on
  • Not comfortable enough to be themselves
  • May not want to eat and drink
  • Shut down and want to curl up in the crate or hide under a table
  • Testing the boundaries

After 3 weeks

Your dog is starting to settle in and feeling a bit more comfortable. The puppy may actually be realizing this may be his forever home. Now, your dog has probably figured out his environment and getting into a routine. You may even see some real personality! Behaviour issues may start showing, so show your puppy what’s right and wrong.

  • Starting to settle in
  • Feeling more comfortable
  • Realizing this could be the forever home
  • Figured out the environment
  • Lets his/her guard down
  • Behavourial issues begin to show up

After 3 Months

Your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.

  • Completely comfortable in his/her new home
  • Building trust and a true bond
  • Gained a complete sense of security with the new family
  • Set in a routine

In conclusion

Congratulations on rescuing a puppy. Enjoy your new rescue dog, give them the time and space and they will soon become your best friend!

The first thing most people want to do is show off their new rescue puppy. Just take it slow, I know you are excited but keep in mind how your dog is feeling. They have been through a lot, he may have lost his family, abandoned in a shelter… it’s all very stressful. He needs time, so give it to him.

Remember the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. Your dog will go at his/her own pace during the honeymoon

period, it could take 4, 5 or maybe even 6 months. Each dog is unique. Just be there for them, comfort them when they need it and create a positive safe environment and you will be on your way of creating your perfect dog.

McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.

Author: Admin at McQueen Animal Hospital

Continue ReadingRule 333 for rescue dogs

Addison’s Disease In Dogs

What Is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease or hypoadrenocorticism, is a very serious illness affecting canines, however dogs diagnosed with Addison’s disease are able to live normal lifespans with proper treatment. Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands in the body fail to produce the hormones that they are required to produce.

The most important hormones produced by the adrenal glands are steroids, specifically aldosterone and cortisol. These steroids play a big role in regulating your dog’s internal organs and body systems. Without them, your dog’s body will deteriorate, leading to serious complications and without treatment, even death.

What Causes Addison’s Disease?

In most cases the cause of Addison’s disease in dogs is not known. It is suspected that most cases of Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune process. Addison’s disease can also be caused from the destruction of the adrenal glands via a metastatic tumor, hemorrhage, infarction, granulomatous disease, or adrenolytic agents. Addison’s disease can affect any breed of dog, regardless of the age or gender.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease can be hard to diagnose as there is many symptoms associated with the disease. Dogs with Addison’s may experience recurrent episodes of gastroenteritis, poor appetite, loss of body condition, and an inability to respond appropriately to stress. These symptoms may appear and reappear and fluctuate in severity.

Reduction in aldosterone can alter the dog’s sodium, chloride, and potassium levels, which affects the kidneys. This can cause circulatory problems with the heart and circulatory system.

Cortisol regulates the production of glucose, regulates metabolism and blood pressure, influences the breakdown of fat and proteins, suppresses inflammation, stimulates the formation of red blood cells, and counteracts stress.

Reduced production of aldosterone and cortisol causes the symptoms that we observe in Addison’s disease.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Alopecia
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration
• Shaking
• Weak pulse
• Irregular heart rate
• Low temperature
• Painful abdomen
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

Diagnosing Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is most often diagnosed during an Addisonian crisis. In an Addisonian crisis, the disease reaches an acute stage, and dogs experience life-threatening symptoms like shock and collapse.

When the dog is stabilized from the crisis, we will do testing such as blood work and urinalysis to rule out and diagnose the cause.

Symptoms of Addison’s disease include anemia and high potassium levels and urea in the blood is present along with changes in sodium, chloride, and calcium blood levels.

The definitive test for Addison’s is the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. This test monitors the function of the adrenal glands by introducing the synthetic hormone ACTH. Veterinarians measure the concentration of cortisol before and after ACTH is administered. This lets them know if the adrenal glands are functioning normally.

Treating Addison’s Disease

Once the Addisonian crisis is treated, there is medication your doctor can prescribe to help your dog deal with the deficiency. More than one medication is usually prescribed; an injectable mineralocorticoid (usually DOCP) for monthly use and a daily steroid (prednisone).

Addison’s disease is not curable. Your dog will need to take these replacement hormones for the rest of his life, and the dosage may need to be adjusted as time goes by, especially during times of stress. It is very important that owners do not try to adjust the medication themselves at home or change brands without consulting with their veterinarian.

The first month after diagnosis you will need to bring your dog in frequently for blood work so that your veterinarian can measure your dog’s hormones and his electrolyte levels. This helps your veterinarian find the right dosage for your dog. After that, expect to bring your dog in once a month for a shot of replacement hormones.

Preventing Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is not usually preventable. Monitor your dog carefully, monitor for symptoms of Addison’s disease or Addisonian crisis, and follow veterinarian directions for dosing strictly.

Sometimes a rapid withdrawal of a steroidal drug like prednisone can cause Addison’s.

Following your veterinarian’s instructions about your dog’s medication is the best way to prevent serious complications like Addison’s disease.

McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.
Author: Jessica Wilkans, RVT at McQueen Animal Hospital

Continue ReadingAddison’s Disease In Dogs