My dog died after pyometra surgery. What are common complications?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  This is a very large Pyometra, but it looks undamaged which means there was probably no leaking into the abdominal cavity, which is good of course. a Pyometra is basically a uterine infection, the uterus becomes full of pus so there is already a very significant infection, but as long as it is removed entirely recovery is usually very good, hopefully this will be the case for Lusi as well.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on January 4th, 2018

  I am so sorry about Lusi. Pyometra is a horrible disease. I warn all of my pyometra surgeries that the surgery is necessary as they will die without it. However, they are very high anesthesia and surgery risk patients due to the severe infection and toxins in their body. Even if they make it through surgery they are not out of the woods for a week or more after. They are at high risk for blood clots (strokes), septic shock, among other complications. I am so very sorry that you lost Lusa. The likelihood that she would have passed away overnight by herself after surgery is high. I hope you are comforted by the fact that you gave her the chance by going to surgery, and that she was able to be at home when she passed. I am so sorry for your loss.

  

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• Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 20th, 2018

  I'm so sorry to hear about poor Lusi! I'm sure you are incredibly upset and confused and want some closure for your pet. Unfortunately without a post mortem, and even at that we cannot know for certain what caused her death. However, with the condition that she had there are a few likely possibilities. Any anaesthetic carries a risk to the animal, especially when they have a condition such as pyometra. Your vet is quite correct in suggesting her blood pressure or an electrolyte imbalance could have caused death. There can be so much fluid in a pyometra that it causes the dog's blood volume to decrease significantly. Likewise the associated sickness can cause dehydration.
  Usually when the pyometra surgery is successfully performed and they wake up fro the anaesthetic, you would think they have a good chance of recovery. However, the infection may have already spread into the body, and in some cases had infection leads to the fatal condition sepsis. This can already be working in the system even though all seems okay. Like I say without many many tests we will never have a definite answer, but there are certainly many legitimate reasons why poor Lusi has not made it. I'm sure you are devastated, but I also imagine your vet is very upset for both you and Lusi too. You can maybe gain some comfort in knowing you did what you could for Lusi, tragically sometimes there is nothing further you can do.
  I'm very sorry for your loss and please don't hesitate to contact me again if you have any more questions.

  

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• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 6th, 2018

  I don't think dehydration was the cause, it could have been total organ failure due to her being very ill before the surgery, usually due to severe sepsis. i'm very sorry for your loss, unfortunately pyometra can be fatal when not caught early enough.

  

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