Mama Mia and Spay Day 2020
Mama Mia is recovering nicely back at Thrive HQ.
We wanted to update everyone on Mama Mia, the 11 year old pregnant female we rescued two weeks ago. We are happy to report that she is recovering well, however her puppies did not survive. Mama Mia had Pyometra, which is an accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity. It is caused by elevations in the hormone progesterone. As part of the normal estrus cycle progesterone levels rise, causing the uterine lining to be thick and "lush," ready for pregnancy. In the non-pregnant uterus, bacteria enter and cause the uterus to become filled with pus. The cervix may be open or closed, resulting in drainage from the vulva or not. Pyometra may be lethal if not treated. Medical therapy may be an option for some cases (never for closed pyometra), but the preferred treatment is to spay. Spaying also prevents pyometra development.
Happy momma on the mend.
We are grateful that she survived, and in honor of Spay Day 2020 we are sharing her news, and in doing so we hope to bring awareness to the importance of spaying all female dogs, and older ones in particular. As a dog ages, the twice-annual estrus cycles may become irregular, but she is still fertile. Pregnancy is still a possibility, but with greater risk to the life and health of an older dog.
BIG thanks to the team of medical professionals who worked vigilantly to save her life- Dr. Jessica Duggan, Kaitlin Adams and Coco Worrell and Dr. Anaika Dayton and the staff at Rancho Santa Fe Veterinary Hospital.