Animal Corner

An article by Dr. Mary Ann Sheller, Vale Park Animal Hospital

Pyometra (pyo: pus  metra:uterus) is a serious infection of the uterus that occurs in unspayed female dogs. Most cases happen in middle or older aged dogs. The uterus fills with infected material, sometimes enlarging to 20 times its normal size.

Dogs which develop pyometra may not show symptoms in the early stages. Some will have a bloody or purulent vaginal discharge, others may not. Many will be very thirsty and have to urinate frequently. Some will be extremely sick…no appetite, sluggish, very depressed.

How is pyometra diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may suspect pyometra if your dog had a heat cycle in the past couple of months or if there is a vaginal discharge and she doesn’t feel well. Blood tests and xrays or ultrasound may be used to help confirm the diagnosis.

How is pyometra treated?
The most common treatment is removal of the uterus. This is essentially the same surgery as is done for a spay, but is more difficult and risky because the uterus is very diseased. Also, most patients are sick and older, so anesthesia and recovery are more worrisome. Patients may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two after surgery as the infection and temporary kidney damage resolves. Of course, antibiotics and pain medication will be given for several days to continue the treatment.

Are there alternative treatments?
In some patients, in which it is desired to have puppies in the future, a medical treatment consisting of antibiotics and hormonal treatments may be used. The treatment takes several days, and can only be attempted in dogs which are not severely ill. That particular dog will be at high risk of repeating the pyometra with every subsequent heat cycle. So it is important to have the desired litter on the very next heat and then spay her as soon as practical thereafter.

How can pyometra be prevented?
The best way is to spay your dog at a fairly young age (4 to 12 months depending on breed and other factors).  Because the ovaries and part or all of the uterus are removed during a spay surgery, the dog will not have any heat cycles. No heat cycles, no chance of pyometra.

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Animal Corner

A caller to our studios this morning said about 4:30am, her husband looked out the window and saw a horse standing, eating grass, out in their front yard. This is in a rural area of Porter County, right off Porter/LaPorte County line road.  The horse is in their backyard now, off the main roadway.  For more info, call 219-874-3093.

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Animal Corner

Melton

Hello!!! My name is Melton and I am a a 2 year old male Pit Bull Terrier Mix. I have been here at the shelter for some time now and I'm thinking that it is my time to have a forever home. Come see me at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana located at 6100 Melton Road Gary, Indiana or call the Humane Society directly at (219) 938-3339.

Britney

Hello! My name is Britney. I am a 4 year old female Chihuahua mix. I love to have fun and play all day long. I'm thinking that your house could be my forever home? Come visit me today at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana located at 6100 Melton Road Gary, Indiana or call the Humane Society directly at (219) 938-3339
 
Humane Society Northwest Indiana
6100 Melton Rd.
Gary, In.46403
1-219-938-3339
1-219-938-4294  (Fax)

HOURS

Monday - 11:00 - 3:00
Tuesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Wednesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 11:00 - 4:00
Saturday - 11:00 - 5:00
Sunday - CLOSED

Animal Corner

Kayla
Meet Kayla! She is a 4 month old Terrier mix. She is a playful puppy that is very eager to please. Kayla is anxiously waiting for her forever home here at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana. We are located at 6100 Melton Road Miller Beach, Indiana. If you have any questions about Kayla or any of our other dogs please visit www.millercritters.net or call us at (219) 938-3339.

Mama

Meet Mama! She is a 2 year old Labrador Retriever mix. She is an energetic dog that loves attention.. She would love a forever home for the new year. She is here at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana located at 6100 Melton Road Miller Beach, Indiana. If you have any questions about Mama or any of other dogs please visit www.millercritters.net or call us at (219) 938-3339.

Humane Society Northwest Indiana
6100 Melton Rd.
Gary, In.46403
1-219-938-3339
1-219-938-4294  (Fax)
 

HOURS

Monday - 11:00 - 3:00
Tuesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Wednesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 11:00 - 4:00
Saturday - 11:00 - 5:00
Sunday - CLOSED

Animal Corner

Peter

Meet Peter! He is an adorable 6 year old male Chihuahua mix here at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana. He is a loving dog that is just looking for a lap to sleep on again. He was found on the side of the road on a very, cold day in a cardboard box with a few of his other Chihuahua friends. We have told Peter that we will find him a nice, warm home that will  never do that to him again.He's looking forward to some visitors, come see him today!! We are located at 6100 Melton Road Miller Beach, Indiana. To contact us if you have any questions, please call (219) 938-3339 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mary
Hello! My name is Mary and I am a 6 month old Jack Russell Terrier. I am here at the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana. I am an energetic, playful, curious puppy that just wants to find a forever home!! Come into the Humane Society today to see me! I love visitors! We are located at 6100 Melton Road Miller Beach, Indiana. To contact us if you have any questions, please call (219) 938-3339 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
Humane Society Northwest Indiana
6100 Melton Rd.
Gary, In.46403
1-219-938-3339
1-219-938-4294  (Fax)
 

HOURS

Monday - 11:00 - 3:00
Tuesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Wednesday - 11:00 - 3:00
Thursday - CLOSED
Friday - 11:00 - 4:00
Saturday - 11:00 - 5:00
Sunday - CLOSED

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