How Much Does Pyometra Dog Surgery Cost In 2024?

Pyometra, an infection of the uterus in female dogs, can be life threatening if untreated. Typically, pyometra occurs in older dogs that have not been spayed.

In this article, we will take a look at this condition and treatments that are available, as well as its causes, and the surgical costs involved. Ignoring this condition can lead to more severe health issues, even death. With more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry and also as a dog owner, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial timely intervention can be with pyometra to ensure your dog’s health and well being.

Here are some important points about pyometra:

• Pyometra is caused by a bacterial infection inside the uterus, usually Escherichia coli (E.coli), which is ordinarily found in feces. This uterine infection generally occurs a few weeks after a female dog’s estrous cycle. The uterus fills with pus and there might be a foul smelling vaginal discharge. In numerous cases of pyometra, the pus stays inside the uterus.
• The early signs of pyometra aren’t always obvious. A good rule of thumb is that If your female dog seems sickly or has a vaginal discharge, she should be seen by a vet immediately.
• Treatment: Treatment for pyometra usually includes emergency surgery to remove the uterus, a fluid drip, and medication. The sooner a dog with pyometra is treated, the better their chance of survival and recovery.

Pyometra isn’t exclusive to dogs. It may occur in other animals, as well, including (but not limited to) these shown below:

• Cats
• Cattle
• Horses
• Goats
• Sheep
• Swine
• Rabbits
• Hamsters
• Ferrets
• Rats
• Guinea pigs

In the majority of  cases, spaying or neutering the animal at a young age can prevent this condition.

Pyometra is a human disease, also.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Symptoms of pyometra may include drinking and urinating more, licking the vulva more than normal, swollen or painful abdomen, lethargy or low energy, decreased or absent appetite, vomiting, heat cycle might last longer, and weakness and/or collapse.

Pyometra in dogs is typically diagnosed through a combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Here are the steps usually involved:

1. Symptoms: The severity of a dog’s symptoms may depend on whether the cervix is closed or open. The signs of illness will be markedly more severe if the cervix is closed. If the dog has a bloody or creamy colored vaginal discharge, it’s a sign that the cervix is open.
2. Diagnostic Tests: These tests might include X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work. They can help the vet visualize an enlarged uterus filled with fluid, a common sign of pyometra.
3. Physical Exam and History: The medical history of the dog, especially an unspayed female who has recently gone through a heat cycle and is showing signs of being ill, is taken into consideration. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, excessive drinking, and/ or a painful, enlarged abdomen.

Causes

Pyometra will usually occur during a female dog’s heat cycle, when the cervix is relaxed. After many heat cycles throughout a dog’s lifespan, the lining of the uterus may develop cysts, which can lead to fluid secretions that make it easier for bacteria to grow. Bacteria then cause the infection. Pyometra is more often seen in older dogs.

Following estrous, progesterone levels in a female dog stay elevated for a period of several weeks, which stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken, preparing for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for a number of estrous cycles, the thickness of the lining increases until cysts form inside the dog’s uterus, which is  called Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia. This overly thick cystic lining secretes fluids that make an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and grow.

Treatment

Treatment for pyometra typically includes emergency surgery to remove the uterus, a fluid IV drip, and medication. The sooner a dog with pyometra receives treatment, the better her chance of survival and a smooth recovery.

How Much Does Pyometra Surgery Cost?

Pyometra surgery for simple procedures may cost about $550 to $2,300 in rural areas, or more for labor intensive and/or after hours cases.

The cost of the surgery will depend on several factors.

For example, if your dog is quite ill and needs to be hospitalized and stabilized for a few days, this will result in a bigger bill.

By the same token, if there are complications or your dog’s recovery takes longer than usual, the additional time spent hospitalized can add a hefty amount to the final cost.

Delaying or putting off the surgery due to the cost is not really an option because without timely intervention, the female dog can die quickly. While a non-surgical treatment would come with a lower price tag, its success rate is variable.

A veterinarian can give your dog drugs like Prostaglandin along with antibiotics, and provide supportive care, too.

Those dogs with a non-draining, or closed, pyometra are less likely to respond to medical management and success rates are as low as 25% in these cases. If medical therapy isn’t successful, surgery will be the only option and your final cost will be higher.

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

Below is a breakdown of what is ordinarily included in the total cost of pyometra surgery in dogs:

1. Pre-Op and Post-Op Care: This may include a hospital stay both before and after the surgical procedure. If a dog is very sick, she may need to be hospitalized  to stabilize her condition, which will add to the total bill.
2. Diagnostic Tests: May include ultrasounds, X-Rays, and blood work. Such tests must be done to confirm the diagnosis of pyometra as well as to  make an assessment of the dog’s overall health before surgery is performed.
3. Medications: Medications for pain along with antibiotics might be necessary both before and following the surgery.
4. Surgical Procedure: The main and largest cost is the surgery itself, which involves removing the dog’s infected uterus and both ovaries.

Real-World Examples Of Pyometra Surgery Costs

• VCA Animal Hospitals: Costs for canine pyometra surgery may range from $500 to $2500. Cases that require specialized care or are more complex can be higher​ cost​.
• Lemonade Pet Insurance: Co-insurance is the percentage of an eligible claim you’ll be reimbursed for with Lemonade pet insurance. You may choose 70%, 80%, and 90% co-insurance options. The higher your percentage of reimbursement, the higher your premium.
• A-Z Animals: A-Z Animals reports an average price range of $500-$2500 for pyometra surgery in dogs.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Pyometra Surgery?

The cost of pyometra surgery for dogs might vary widely based on various factors, such as the dog’s breed and age, the severity of the dog’s condition, as well as the location of the veterinarian.

Here’s a generalized breakdown of the costs that come with pyometra surgery:

• The cost of pyometra surgery itself may range from $550 to $2,300. This can be higher for more complicated cases or if the surgery is performed after normal clinic hours.
• Diagnostic tests including imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds, along with laboratory and blood tests, can cost between $150 and $1,100.
• If your dog must be hospitalized before and/or following the surgery, it may add an additional $160 to $500 to the final cost.
• Medications before and after surgery such as pain relievers and antibiotics can cost between $80 and $200.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Pyometra Surgery?

Yes, a lot of pet insurance policies do provide coverage for pyometra surgery. This coverage might depend on different factors:

• Onset of Condition: Pyometra is a condition that is typically covered since it generally has a sudden onset instead of pre-existing.
• Pre-existing Condition: On the other hand, if your dog had a diagnosis of pyometra prior to enrollment in the insurance, it will probably be deemed a pre-existing condition, and not eligible for benefits.
• Policy Details: The specific details of coverage can vary widely from one pet insurance policy to the next. Always read the fine print, meaning the terms along with conditions of your pet insurance policy to have a clear understanding of what is covered and what isn’t.

It’s wise to get in touch with your pet insurance provider and confirm whether pyometra surgery is covered under your policy. If getting pet insurance is on the table, it’s also a good idea to enroll your pet while it is healthy to ensure coverage for any future illnesses that may arise.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Pyometra in dogs is not generally thought of as a hereditary or congenital condition.

However, you should note that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop pyometra while still young. This suggests that there might be a genetic predisposition, and the theory is now undergoing intensive research.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If your pet is diagnosed with pyometra before you purchase the policy or shows symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery might not be covered​​.

How Can I Save Money On Pyometra Surgery?

Saving money on pyometra surgery for your dog can be achieved through several strategies.

First, be preemptive and get your female dog spayed early on. This will eliminate any worries about pyometra. Also, it’s important to enroll your pet in insurance early to avoid problems with exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

You can sometimes save money by looking into financing options or payment plans that may be available through veterinary clinics. Some clinics will offer no-interest payment plans or financing options that may make the cost more manageable over time. Yet another option is to check out veterinary schools that may provide discounted rates for procedures done by students under supervision.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By Pyometra?

Any unspayed female dog can develop pyometra, but the following breeds are regarded as more susceptible:

Pyometra can occur in any breed of dog, but certain breeds have been observed to be more susceptible. These include:

• Rough-coated Collies
• Rottweilers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Chow Chows
• Irish Terriers
• Bernese Mountain Dogs

Sporting Breeds

These sporting breeds are often more prone to pyometra:

• English Cocker Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers

Other Affected Breeds

While the breeds listed above cover a number of the commonly affected dog breeds, others may also develop pyometra.

• Miniature Schnauzers
• Airedale Terriers
• Staffordshire Terriers

Is Surgery Required For Pyometra?

Yes, surgery is typically required for the treatment of pyometra. The most common treatment is an ovariohysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This procedure is also known as a “spay” operation.

This is considered the best treatment for pyometra and is often the only reasonable treatment for critically ill animals. In addition to surgery, the animal may also need intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

However, it’s important to note that each case is unique, and the appropriate treatment should be determined by a veterinarian based on the animal’s condition and overall health. While the survival rate after pyometra surgery is usually high at about 90%-95%, seniors or dogs with secondary illnesses might have less likelihood of survival.

What Happens If Pyometra Is Left Untreated?

If you suspect your dog might have pyometra, time is of the essence and you should seek veterinary care immediately. This condition can progress quite rapidly and may be fatal if left untreated too long.

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The most effective prevention is spaying your dog before she experiences her first heat cycle.

How Can I Prevent Pyometra?

You can prevent pyometra. As noted above, the way to prevent pyometra in dogs is by early spaying. Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus and eliminates the risk of a uterine infection since the uterus has been removed.

Spaying is normally performed when the dog is young, usually before she has her first estrous, or heat cycle. However, spaying can be done at any age. Talk to your vet about  the best time to spay your dog.

Here are three things that might be helpful for you to know about when to get your dog spayed:

• A female dog’s first heat generally starts between the age of 6 months to 2 years, and small breeds average earlier heats than large breeds.
• The majority of dogs will have 2 heats every year, or an average of about every 5 to 11 months.
• The most obvious sign of a dog’s estrus or heat cycle is a pinkish or bloody vaginal discharge that typically lasts between two and three weeks.

Understanding a dog’s estrous cycle can be helpful if you’re thinking about when to have your dog spayed to prevent pregnancy, future heat cycles or pyometra.