OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Pyometra
Synonyms: Chronic Closed Infection of Uterus
Summary
Pyometra is a chronic uterine infection, typically caused by a cervix that does not open normally. It overlaps with the diagnosis of endometritis.
In a pyometra, infection takes hold and continues because the uterus cannot empty or clear the infectious agents. The uterus fills with pus and becomes akin to a huge abscess. In cases of a severe pyometra, the uterus may contain 5 gallons of pus or more.
This closed infection makes the mare feel terrible, causing lack of appetite, fever, and colic signs due to stretch on the uterine wall. Treatment involves a combination of opening of the cervix, drainage of pus, uterine flushing with antibiotic treatment. Ultimately, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), may be required. In most cases, mares that have a pyometra become permanently infertile.
In a pyometra, infection takes hold and continues because the uterus cannot empty or clear the infectious agents. The uterus fills with pus and becomes akin to a huge abscess. In cases of a severe pyometra, the uterus may contain 5 gallons of pus or more.
This closed infection makes the mare feel terrible, causing lack of appetite, fever, and colic signs due to stretch on the uterine wall. Treatment involves a combination of opening of the cervix, drainage of pus, uterine flushing with antibiotic treatment. Ultimately, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), may be required. In most cases, mares that have a pyometra become permanently infertile.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
There is a high rate of recurrence. The factors that led to the pyometra in the first place cause it to recur. Ultimately, in many cases, hysterectomy is the only long term solution.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What are the chances that I can breed or rebreed this mare?
- What underlying condition contributed to the development of this problem?
Prevention
Early treatment of uterine infections. Recognition and treatment of cervix disorders that predispose this development.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
