It is also seen in female cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, cats, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, rats and guinea pigs.

The most obvious symptom of open pyometra is a discharge of pus from the vulva in a female that has recently been in heat.

Symptoms of both types include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and increased drinking and urinating.

This can happen at any age, regardless of how many heat cycles have occurred or previous pregnancies (or lack thereof), although it becomes more common as the dog gets older.

Females that have received estradiol as a mismating shot in diestrus are at risk for more severe disease because estrogen increases the number of progesterone receptors in the endometrium.

[8] The most important aspect of treatment of pyometra is quick action to provide supportive care.