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Why is my unspayed senior dog bleeding, shaking, and not eating?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | unspayed | 15 years and 3 months old
My 15 year old un-spayed jack Russel has been bleeding and leaking a bloody discharge from her vagina for 2 weeks now. She is shaking now and is off her food and water too
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Justin Plunk, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 13th, 2017
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 24th, 2018
I would be very concerned that Felony has a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment and causes the symptoms you are describing. She does have to see a vet immediately for these symptoms. I would see if there is an ER vet clinic in your area; if not, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Please call around local clinics to find someone open to see her now. If she does have a pyometra, spaying her is part of the recommended treatment. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 12th, 2018
The signs you are describing are compatible with an uterine infection called pyometra. This is a medical and surgical emergency and requires immediate treatment. This diagnosis needs to be confirmed by your veterinarian and in many cases uterus must be removed surgically to resolve the problem.
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.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2018
Since she isn't spayed she could have a uterine infection (pyometra) so she needs to be examined by a vet. Pyometra can be life threatening, if not treated, so call your vet or take her to an emergency clinic to be examined.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 17th, 2017
A pyometra is always possible in an unspayed dog but usually they are VERY sick with a pyometra. They get a fever, stop eating and become extremely lethargic. They don't usually exhibit straining to urinate or inappropriate urination with a pyometra.
You may want to consider taking her back to that vet you saw or get a second opinion from another vet. Did you allow the them to perform any diagnostics like x-ray, ultrasound and blood testing? If she had a pyometra that would have been evident on one of those tests if not all of them. Regardless of whether she has this bladder/urethral tumor or a pyometra she would need to be seen by a vet to get this figured out. The vet may need to change the medication she is on or adjust the dosage to get a better response.
Hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Pepper.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful