Thursday was Thanksgiving Day in the USA, and I certainly had cause to give a few thanks of my own.
On Wednesday I was the picker-up on an eighty bird day, and my nine year old cocker worked her socks off in the pouring rain, for six hours.
My other two dogs are both relatively inexperienced and it was Meg’s task to complete the lion’s share of the work.
As we settled down together in front of the fire that evening I noticed with a pang of fear, that an ominous blood-stained puddle had followed Meg across the carpet.
The dreaded pyometra had struck.
Pyometra
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, or womb, that is relatively common in older, unspayed bitches.[wp_ad_camp_1]It comes in two forms, open, and closed.
Pus builds up in the infected uterus which swells alarmingly and can even rupture.
If untreated pyometra is often fatal.
With closed pyometra the pus that collects cannot discharge, and the owner may initially be unaware that there is anything wrong.
Fortunately for Meg, she had ‘open’ pyometra and my vet was able to save her with an emergency operation.
Surgery
It is hard to describe just how awful I felt leaving Meg at the veterinary hospital for her op. I genuinely thought I might not see her again. I know we should not have favourites, but she is mine.
She is without doubt the most talented, honest and fearless little dog that has ever passed through my hands, and I am looking on her with renewed and even greater appreciation now!
I am also considering whether or not to have my other bitches spayed once they reach six or so years of age. It has been a sobering experience and given me much food for thought.
Thanks giving
By Thursday evening Meg was well on the way to recovering from her ordeal. Saved by swift action from the excellent Veterinary team at Amery Veterinary Group.
I have read a lot of ‘vet bashing’ posts recently on a large dog forum, and experiences like this one just underline my view that vets are a fantastic and often under-rated group of professionals.
I am hugely thankful to have my ‘best girl’ sleeping safely by my feet as I type.
Recovery
Amazingly the vets are confident that Meg will be fit again and back to work within the month. I doubt if many people could manage a hard day’s bramble bashing a month after major abdominal surgery. What extraordinary creatures dogs are.
And in the meantime, my two young dogs will be on a steep learning curve!
And you?
Have any of you gone through a similar experience? And did it affect your views on spaying? I would be interested to hear what you think.
If you enjoy my articles, you might like my new book: The Happy Puppy Handbook