Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can antibiotics cure my cat's pyometra without costly surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

hi my cat has pyometra. And the vet gave her antibiotics. i started giving her antibiotics since yesterday. and im not sure if there is a discharge because i didnt notice one. is it normal that if my cat took antibiotics, there wont be a discharge? and could an antibiotic heal her? i dont have money for operations.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2018

Poor kitty. The picture you have posted does show pus (infection) discharge from her vaginal area. This is likely pus coming from her uterus. Antibiotics alone unfortunately won't cure her of her pyometra infection. There is a stronger medication that has been tried and successful in a few cases of pyometra that you can get prescribed by your veterinarian but it also isn't cheap. The medication also isn't a guarantee. Surgical removal of the ovaries is the only wayt to guarantee success when dealing with a pyometra. I can understand your financial restraints here. Below are some resources that I hope can help you afford the surgery that Lux needs to get well.

www.carecredit.com

http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

I hope that Lux is able to make a full and speedy recovery. I wish you and her the very best moving forward. Take care!

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951481
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 17th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am very sorry Kitty has pyometra. Unfortunately the only way to cure pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus. Left untreated (no surgery), pyometra has a very high mortality rate. At this point, sadly, there is not a lot you can do as far as at home treatments. There is always a risk with surgery, especially when putting an animal under general anesthesia, but the benefit (saving Kitty) may outweigh the risks in this regard. Please consult with your veterinarian further.. He/she is more familiar with your pet and your pet's history and will be able to provide further council to aide in your decision.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My cat's pyometra pus returned after antibiotics. What's wrong?
Unfortunately if pyometra persists despite antibiotics, it is best to proceed surgically by removing the uterus. The antibiotics are not working because possibly there is a resistant infection or your vet did not give the right antibiotic. Unfortunately a lot of these type of infections do not resolve without surgery. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat is still leaking vaginal pus after antibiotics. Is it normal?
No, this is not normal - I would definitely recommend taking Magic back to the vet. Pus coming from the vagina in an unspayed female cat is a common sign of a serious uterine infection called a pyometra. This is a life-threatening problem that normally requires surgery to remove the infected uterus. Antibiotics can help for a while, but they are rarely successful at eliminating the infection - this is why surgery is the preferred treatment for this problem.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
How long can my cat wait for pyometra treatment with pus discharge?
Cats diagnosed in the early stage of infection do much better than an obviously ill cat. Surgery would be strongly recommended within the next 24 hours. If possible, have Valentine examined at the nearest veterinary ER to confirm your suspicion. The decision to perform surgery and when can be made after the diagnosis.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat has pyometra. Should I spay her or try hormonal therapy?
I'm sorry Quai has a pyometra! In terms of a spay vs hormones, spaying her is the best option. While it is a more difficult surgery, cats who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease are very good surgical candidates. The success rate for medical treatment with hormones is widely variable and not without considerable risk and potential long-term complications. These hormones are not always successful at treating the pyometra, and there are side effects to the hormones including restlessness, panting, vomiting, salivation, and abdominal pain. In addition, because prostaglandins (the hormone used) causes uterine contractions, the uterus itself has the potential to rupture and spill infection into the abdomen causing peritonitis. For the best possible outcome, I would recommend spaying Quai.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my cat still discharging pus after stump pyometra surgery?
Hi Maleeka! I'm sorry to hear that Mira has had these ongoing issues. It is uncommon to have a recurrent stump pyometra. At this point, other issues should be considered, such as an ovarian remnant syndrome (a portion of an ovary remained after a spay or was present in an abnormal location), contact with any human hormone creams/ointments, or resistance to the antibiotics being used. A 5 day course of amoxicillin is not likely to treat this type of issue. At this point, I strongly recommend taking Mira back to her vet for further evaluation, including a physical exam, blood testing (primarily to check her white blood cells), and possibly another surgery. She may need to have biopsy and culture samples taken of the uterine stump. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Pug with pyometra, low income. What are my options for urgent help?
The cervix may have closed making it a "closed pyometra" in which case they get more sick. She could also have septicemia where the bacteria is now in her bloodstream. Please take her for help. This is not likely something that is going to go away with amoxicillin. There are plenty of low cost spay/neuter clinics that will do surgery on a pyometra. There are also plenty of organization that offer financial help to people that need to pay vet bills. ( https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/ ) ( https://www.dogingtonpost.com/need-help-with-vet-bills-or-pet-food-there-are-resources-available/ )
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Can I treat my dog's pyometra with medication instead of surgery?
Antibiotics can be used, but they don't always cure a pyometra. The best treatment is surgery. If Narly cannot have surgery and she has cancer, it may be best to let her go peacefully. Pyometras make the dog extremely sick, and you do not want her to suffer if she cannot have surgery. There is no guarantee antibiotics will even help. I would speak to her vet about possibly letting her go if she can't have surgery. I am sorry.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat AntibioticsCat SuppliesCat Urinary Tract & Kidney MedicationCat FoodCat MedicineAntifungal Medication for CatsCat Insulin & Diabetes MedicationCat LaxativesPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsVaccines and Shots for CatsDiuretics for CatsPrescription Dewormer for CatsCat Thyroid MedicationCat Asthma MedicationHeart & Blood Pressure Medicine for CatsHeartworm Prevention for CatsCat Eyedrops & Ear MedicationElectrolytes for CatsPrescription Flea & Tick Medicine for CatsPrescription Cat Allergy Medicine
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button