Physical examination findings revealed that Hurley was mildly dehydrated, her abdomen was very tense and distended, and her vaginal area was swollen, with a small amount of drainage coming from her uterus. Dr. Geurts strongly suspected Hurley had developed a serious life-threatening condition in her uterus called a "pyometra." Pyometra is an infection that develops inside the uterus as a result of a dog having gone throught a heat cycle, and bacteria entered the uterus from the outside and rapidly fill the uterus with a life threatening infection. This situation if gone untreated quickly leads to the death of the animal from organ damage as a result of the bacteria toxins, or sudden death from rupture of the pus filled uterus into the abdominal cavity. Pyometra is seen more commonly in middle age to older dogs as their heat cycles become more irregular. Spaying of female dogs at a young age is highly recommended to prevent this complication later in life.

Blood tests were run to determine of Hurley's internal organ function was satisfactory for surgery. Results indicated that she had mild elevation in kidney and liver values likely due to the effects of the bacterial toxins on her body. X-rays were taken to confirm the presence of a very large infection filled uterus in her abdomen. The decision was made to perform ovariohysterectomy (spay) on Hurley to save her life. Intravenous electrolyte fluids were given during surgery to support Hurley's kidneys. Antibiotics were also administered to help her body overcome the infection she was fighting.

Surgery revealed that Hurley had a MASSIVE enlarged uterus. Hurley weighed 59.5 pounds prior to surgery, and her uterus weighed in after removal at 6 pounds! The photos below show the size of the uterus.

Hurley did great post-operatively, and was discharged on antiobiotics late in the day.

We would like to especially thank Jason for giving us the opportunity to care for his wonderful dog!