Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
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
Become 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

My dog has pyometra and is bleeding a lot. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 4 days old

Hi my dog was recently diagnosed with Pyometra she has been on antibiotics for a week and seems to be getting better but now she is bleeding a lot like puddles at times what could that be? Thank you

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on December 28th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Assie!

Where is she bleeding from? Her vulva? Bleeding and purulent discharge from the vulva is common in an open pyometra, that means the infection is draining though an open cervix. The draining doesn't indicate that she is improving or will get better it just means that the cervix is open. There are 2 types of pyometras: 1) open and 2) closed. Closed are very serious because the uterus can get very big and rupture.

I highly recommend having Assie spayed. Pyometras are life threatening. If you are not planning on breeding her I would proceed with removing her uterus.

I would contact your Vet when they open and discuss the discharge and bleeding and see if they want to change their course of action.

I hope this helps and I wish Assie the very best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 29th, 2017
Pyometra is a serious and life threatening (if not treated) Infection of the uterus. Surgery after stabilization of clinical condition is definitively what is needed to save her life. Infection can be potentially spread and become systemic. Weakness is probably due to high temperature and to generalized illness.
I am not sure if your veterinarian suggested that, but surgical treatment is needed.

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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 18th, 2019
A pyometra is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment. Signs of it include excessive drinking, abdominal distension, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, frequent urination, and potentially discharge from the vulva (known as an open pyometra). In a closed pyometra, there is not discharge due to the cervix being closed, and if the dog isn't treated quickly, the uterus will rupture. If you suspect Abby has a pyometra, you need to take her into a vet immediately for treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 25th, 2017
Pyometra is a life threatening infection, but if she is draining from her vulva that is actually a good sign and might buy her more time than if she was not draining. If this is a pyometra she will need an emergency spay to remove her uterus. Today would be the safest. Did the doctor at the emergency center send you home with antibiotics? If not I would recommend calling them back and request to pick some up. It is just a bandaid to the larger problem, but it may help some in the meantime. Keep her well hydrated. There is a chance that she could survive this, but her chances decrease the longer you wait. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog is on pyometra antibiotics. Is bleeding normal on day 6?

Hello and thank you very much for reaching out to our service. If you are choosing to treat a pyometra medically with antibiotics as well as other types of medications, then bleeding at day 6 is completely normal. as long as she continues to eat, drink, and play normally, then the bleeding is most likely not going to be a problem even all the way to day 14. We appreciate your question. I hope I’ve helped you today.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has bloody discharge after uterine infection. What's it mean?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach if Izzy has a pyometra or uterine infection she needs to be spayed ASAP. This can be a fatal turn right on Rio Grande St. infection leading to sepsis turn left on superior and death if left untreated. While antibiotics can decrease signs It will typically not fully clear the infection, which will cotinue to recur and worsen. If Izzy has a foul smelling bloody discharge she needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my unspayed dog bleeding, tired, and drinking/peeing a lot?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am afraid that this is more concerning this time. It may be due to an infection such as Pyometra or something else. For that reason, I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can then decide what would be best after evaluating her. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Should I take my dog to the vet for heavy bleeding after uterine injection?

I think she should be rechecked. It sounds like she had an open pyometra or uterine infection. While the discharge could still be normal it's also possible that she needs antibiotics for a bit longer. Sometimes the injections and antibiotics do not completely clear the infection and surgery is necessary.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my unspayed senior dog bleeding, shaking, and not eating?

Hi, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear that Cagney is not doing well. With her being intact and having the discharge you are describing, I am particularly worried about a condition known as pyometra which is an infection within her uterus. While there are other possibilities, a pyometra is most likely. Unfortunately, this is not something that can wait until tomorrow. Please seek veterinary attention for Cagney as soon as possible tonight. If she does have a pyometra, her condition can go downhill rapidly without aggressive intervention. I hope this helps and that Cagney gets better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dog with pyometra: why brown vomit, black stool, and swollen belly?

Hello. The pus in her uterus is a very serious condition called pyometra. Usually, the best way to deal with this is to perform an ovariohysterectomy & spay her. The only time to consider treating this condition with medications is if Chuski is a valuable breeding animal. But you are risking her health & she could die from this. Please consider the surgery. Most dogs do very well if it is done before they get too sick. I hope she is feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's vaginal discharge stopped. Is it metritis or pyometra?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How old is your dog? As dogs age there are chronic changes to the uterine lining, it becomes thickened and sometimes even cystic. Metritis just means inflammation of the uterine lining and there are many causes most of which have nothing to do with pregnancy. If she had purulent discharge from her vulva that indicates an infection. A pyometra means infection (puss) in the uterus. If she responded to antibiotics I would assume she has a pyometra. My best advice is to have her spayed. It is the best thing for your dog. If she had discharge then the pyometra is open. If there was no discharge it is considered closed. I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share