Pet owners are being warned to look out for the signs of an incurable infection that can often be mistaken for an upset stomach or minor illness.

Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that only affects female pets and is likely to result in death unless the womb is surgically removed within a matter of days.

Symptoms can range from mild vomiting, a lack of activity and seeming generally under the weather, to more worrying and easy to spot signs like discharge.

Pyometra is caused by bacteria entering a female animal's uterus up to two months after she has been in season. During this time the animal's cervix is more open, leaving delicate parts more susceptible to infection.

If left to fester, the infection can lead to the uterus bursting as it fills with bacteria, which could cause sepsis and in many cases is fatal.

When a pet has had Pyometra for more than a couple of days, she will become weak meaning that even if taken into theatre for surgery may not survive such a strenuous procedure whilst under anaesthetic.

Neutering the pet, having its reproductive organ removed, is the only way to ensure they will never suffer with this type of infection.


And as well as preventing infections like Pyometra, neutering can also prevent other problems.

It can prevent the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and mammary cancers in females, as well as lessen the risk of cats being involved in fights and putting themselves at greater risk of harm by wandering too far out of their way to find a mate.