Pyometra in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£100–£300

Treatment cost

£1000–£3000

Ongoing cost

N/A

Severity

Serious

Treatable

Yes

Species

Dogs

What is pyometra?

Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus (womb) that affects unspayed female dogs. It typically develops 4–8 weeks after a season, when hormonal changes cause the uterine lining to thicken and create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Pyometra can be ‘open’ (pus drains through the cervix) or ‘closed’ (pus is trapped inside the uterus), with the closed form being more dangerous as the uterus can rupture. Without emergency surgery, pyometra is fatal.

Symptoms to watch for

Seek emergency care

Vaginal discharge (bloody, yellow, or foul-smelling) in open pyometra
Excessive thirst and increased urination
Lethargy and depression
Loss of appetite or vomiting
Swollen or distended abdomen
Fever or abnormally low temperature

How is pyometra diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Emergency consultation and physical examination	£100–£200
Abdominal ultrasound	£150–£350
Blood test (infection markers, kidney and liver function)	£80–£200

Treatment options and costs

Emergency ovariohysterectomy (spay surgery)

£1,000–£3,000

Surgical removal of the infected uterus and ovaries. This is the gold-standard treatment and is curative. The cost is significantly higher than a routine spay because the dog is often seriously unwell and may need intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and intensive post-operative monitoring.

Medical management (prostaglandin therapy)

£500–£1,500

Hormone injections to open the cervix and contract the uterus to expel the pus. Only suitable for open pyometra in otherwise stable dogs where the owner wishes to breed from the dog in the future. Carries significant risk of recurrence and is not widely recommended.

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Golden Retriever	High
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	High
Rottweiler	High
Labrador Retriever	Moderate
Cocker Spaniel	Moderate
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover pyometra?

Pyometra surgery is covered by virtually all pet insurance policies, as it’s an emergency medical condition rather than an elective procedure. It’s one of the most common high-value claims for female dogs. Ensure your policy is active before symptoms develop, as it won’t be covered as a pre-existing condition. Some policies may not cover pyometra if the insurer considers it preventable through routine spaying.

Related conditions

Diabetes Dogs Pancreatitis Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does pyometra surgery cost in the UK?

Emergency pyometra surgery typically costs £1,000–£3,000, depending on the severity, whether out-of-hours treatment is needed, and how long the dog needs to stay in hospital. This is considerably more than a routine spay (£150–£400) because the dog is critically unwell and requires intensive care. Diagnosis adds another £100–£300.

Can pyometra be prevented?

Yes. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) before the condition develops is the only reliable prevention. A routine spay costs £150–£400 and completely eliminates the risk. If you don’t plan to breed from your dog, spaying is strongly recommended. The risk of pyometra increases with each season, and around 25% of unspayed dogs will develop it by age 10.

How quickly does pyometra need to be treated?

Pyometra is a genuine veterinary emergency. A closed pyometra (where pus can’t drain) can cause the uterus to rupture within hours, leading to sepsis and death. Even open pyometra can deteriorate rapidly. If you suspect pyometra, contact your vet or an emergency out-of-hours service immediately – do not wait until the next day.

What age do dogs get pyometra?

Pyometra can occur at any age in unspayed females, but it’s most common in middle-aged to older dogs (typically 6–10 years). The risk increases with each season. Younger dogs can still develop pyometra, especially if they’ve been given hormonal treatments to suppress seasons.