Pyometra

I've just hand fed her some roast lamb

Winnie has pyometra, which is a serious life threatening uterine infection.
I am presently waiting for the junior vet to call me after she discusses the case with her senior.
I hate waiting for phonecalls!
Winnie has already been pumped full of antibiotics and is presently asleep on a bed in the kitchen.
The condition has made her incontinent. A thing that upsets her so. She is also passing large amounts of pus PV. This is messy but more positive than retention. Retaining pus leads to sepsis
I know that much from ITU

I knew that one day this condition may of reared it's ugly head. Spaying older bulldogs is fraught with it's own difficulties but if we had successfully got Winnie through such surgery earlier, then she would not be in trouble today.
It was a difficult call.

Winnie has a few  premorbidities which the vets have to review. Her age , her size are the most significant as well as her breed's well known problems with airway control during anaesthesia but I was careful to underline just how well she is for her age at the same time as being fully aware of the reality of the situation.

As I paid the bill, Winnie wandered around the waiting room and greeted each dog and owner in turn.
She was slow and careful and the sweet receptionist who admitted her gave me one of those " be brave" looks as she handed me the antibiotics

111 comments:

  1. c'mon winnie, fight back, old girl!

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  2. Sorry John. I hope Winnie pulls through.

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  3. Hoping for all the best for Winnie!

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  4. Oh bless her heart, except for this, Winnie is basically a healthy girl, I will hang on to that thought and that she has been so well cared for, she will get through this. She will be in my thoughts every hour ... and hugs to you too ... I used to prefer being the sick one and not one of the babies .. it is hard on a parent.

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  5. Winnie is deeply loved in the blog world, as I'm sure you know. Best wishes.

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  6. Thank heavens you knew the danger and got it looked after immediately. Not everyone would have that knowledge. Best of luck, John.

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  7. Sorry it's not good news. Hope she pulls through ok. Will be thinking of you and hoping for a good outcome. Xx

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  8. Bless her. We had a rescue Griffon, similar problems with anesthetics. She had the same operation at 12 years old and recovered well.
    Sending as many positive thoughts as I can. Good luck to all of you.

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  9. So very hard when this happens. Winnie is so gorgeous, and I'm sure she will be ok. Sending lots of positive thoughts and love for her xx

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  10. Damn! Sending best wishes to you all. Fingers crossed...

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  11. I think it is a good thing you were on top of things and she is on antibiotics .. I hope that is all that will be required.
    Bless her heart, please whisper in her ear tonight that I send love from faraway .. <3

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  12. Thinking of you.
    Give Winnie a kiss for me-x-

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  13. As i read this my 13 years bulldog is snoring very loud. I wish Winnie only good.

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  14. How did she come to have this? Is it just something that happens? Poor thing. Hopefully she's not feeling too poorly. Thinking of your family and sending hugs.

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    Replies
    1. Its an infection secondary to hormones..

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  15. John I have just been through the same thing with my Bella. She is 11 years and was getting more and more sluggish - lack of energy ect. She has been incontinent for three years and we have consulted three vet practices about her issues over that time including a specialist of incontinence in dogs.
    With much trepidation I consulted a new vet in my nearby town and as Bella presented so very ill Dr Mandy recommended an ultrasound which we did and it showed the septic uterus. Bella reacted badly to the mild anesthetic given during this procedure but with care and IV fluids she came through.
    This sent up a big flag for the removal of the uterus & ovaries but it was either that or euthenaise .. we opted to give her a chance at life as without the operation she would surely die. So she was on IV fluids for 36 hours before the op and well hydrated and she came though marvellously. She also had many teeth removed at the same time.. so a double whammy, but yesterday back to get her stitches out she was like a pup and is so happy in herself - we are thrilled to bits.
    So we know how hard it is to take the risk but knowing what they do about Winnies breed and that they have picked up the infection already I would feel very positive for Winnie... she will feel so much better and our bonus was no more incontinence.. we feel like we have won the lottery!! Good luck and thinking of you all with great vibes for a good outcome :)

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    1. What an encouraging story! Thank you

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    2. Thank you, this was SO good to read.

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    3. Elle, we had a similar experience with our 14 year old toy poodle and an equally positive outcome. Lambi lived for another four years after her surgery. So there is hope!

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  16. Oh Winnie be strong !
    You do not look like Winston for no reason.

    cheers, thehamish and parsnip

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  17. Poor Winnie. Hope the antibiotics do the trick. She's got the best ever nurse.

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  18. I'm thinking of you, John and I know you have the heart required to walk through this with your winsome one.

    xox

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  19. Oh no! Winnie!!!!! Fingers and toes crossed. I hope they come back to you quickly on the phone.

    Beaming everyone love!

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  20. Thinking of you all at this difficult time . . .

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  21. Sending Winnie lots of love and positive vibes.x

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  22. Be well my Beautiful x

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  23. Poor Winnie. Getting treated fast has got to give her an edge, plus her general good health. I'll carry you both in my heart for as long as it takes.

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  24. Fingers crossed for a good outcome.

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  25. So sorry to hear this John.

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  26. In one shape or anoter i have been here before YP , its the price you pay for dogs

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  27. I do so hope this turns out well. Sending cyber hug to dear Winnie.

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  28. Hoping for the best for Winnie. She even has a feline fan. Best to you, the prof and all of your animals.

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  29. Oh Winnie - sending you our love.
    John, I know you'll make the right decision for our gorgeous girl. I pray that everything will be OK, that she'll recover, and go on to a ripe old age.
    Hugs to you all.

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    Replies
    1. Shes a ripe old age now! Thats the problem

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  30. Oh poor little Winnie.
    With luck, and Winnie's determination, the antibiotics will deal with the infection. X

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  31. Hoping it all goes well for Winnie x

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  32. Sending some "Big Island" Hawaiian Love your way. Please keep us updated.

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  33. Sending love to you all. Hope she gets better xxxx

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  34. Be brave John, little Winnie will fight this because she loves you and the Prof! A few years back we had a 150 pound St. Bernard X Bernese Mountain dog with the same issue, our darling Lily had a reaction to anaesthesia, came through that without a hitch.....but then dehisced.....so there I was on the kitchen floor wrapping her bowels in saline soaked gauze, giving her 50cc NS subcutaneous infusions while waiting for our wonderful vet to get back from the Arctic Circle! Hubby and I are both RNs, so we could lay hands on supplies! I was crying my eyes out, she just looked at me, reached up with her giant paw and pulled me down for a hug....knew then she was going to be okay! Okay she was, and after a long time on antibiotics she was back to her old
    self. Darling Lily lived for quite a few years beyond what she should have...still miss that giant "fairy elephant",

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    1. She has a big heart sandra......lets hope all will be ok

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  35. Sending love to you all. Hope she gets better xxxx

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  36. Anonymous9:45 pm

    You chose not to spay Winnie for good reason, but now the risk of sepsis changes the risk/benefit equation. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for Winnie, as it will be made with love, and with the knowledge of an experienced medical professional. Wishing the girl good luck from Philadelphia.

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  37. Poor Winnie, poor John. I feel so bad for you both. I ve forgotten how old Winnie is?
    Sending hugs and get well wishes.

    lizzy

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    1. She's around 8 or even 9', very old for a bulldog

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  38. Oh poor Winnie and poor you. Keeping everything crossed and wishing her good luck. ((HUGS)) Love to you both. xxx

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  39. Love and Hugs to you both! And, of course, the Prof.

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  40. I'm praying and praying....i know exactly how you must be feeling...im sending you so much love......❤️

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  41. Hugs and positive thoughts xx

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  42. Winnie has made a place in my heart. I hope for the very best outcome. And she could not have a better nurse than you.

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    1. Shes breaking my heart...but then they all do

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  43. Loving and hugging Winnie from afar. Love that girl so much. Hoping for only good results for her.

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  44. Give her a hug for me, wishing for the best.

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  45. Sending lots of positive vibes for dear Winnie.

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  46. Oh dear, our wonderful winnie.. hugs to you both xoxo.

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  47. Oh dear, our wonderful winnie.. hugs to you both xoxo.

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  48. Oh, the sweet girl!

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  49. Love to you all and a squidge to Winnie bless her x

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  50. Holding good thoughts and crossing all fingers for Winnie - with you, she has everything going for her. Also holding good thoughts for her small black admirer. You and the Prof and Albert and Mary - that's a whole lot of creatures who don't want her to go anywhere.

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  51. Good luck, best wishes to all of you.

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  52. Animals love you, sustain you and break your heart. I think we give back in equal measure.
    I wish I could hug Winnie right now. Tell her I love her and best hopes for both of you xo

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  53. Off to bed soon......just checked on the old girl......her and mary are sharing a cushion in the kitchen, both are asleep

    Thank you all for ypur good wishes xx

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  54. Hugs to you all and best wishes!

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  55. Oh, heck! At least you've given her the best chance by getting her diagnosed fast, and your skill at nursing will be invaluable too. It's your panic that has to be fought - she'll fight the bugs, and be surrounded by thoughts and prayers from around the world. Get well soon Winnie

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  56. Oh no, I am so sorry to read this, John.

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  57. Well shit. I'm going to be worrying now.

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  58. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Winnie. We know she is surrounded by love and is receiving the best of care and best wishes from all around the world.

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  59. Dear wonderful winnie. Hugs.

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  60. Off to bed myself just now and my thoughts will remain with Winnie, that the ABs have the desired effect and that she makes a full recovery. Big (((((HUG))))) for you, John. x

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  61. Hugs to you and Winnie.She has good thoughts coming from all over the world.We are pulling for her.

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  62. I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you and Winnie. I hope the antibiotics kick in and things improve. I know that she is getting the best care in the world. Thinking of you..making these sorts of decisions is never easy. Give her a big hug for me.

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  63. Fingers crossed toes plaited that Winnie and you are okay. Hugs

    Pattypan xx

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  64. I don't how it is that you can come to love a dog you have never met so very much, but I do love Winnie. My very best thoughts and heathen prayers are coming her way!

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  65. Fingers crossed toes plaited that Winnie and you are okay. Hugs

    Pattypan xx

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  66. I've been away a couple days and this was a shock. My fervent wishes for the best possible outcome. I'd hug Winnie and you both, if possible.

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  67. Winnie ...you can do this!

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  68. Oh Dear, how scary for you all, I sure hope she has a full recovery! Blessings.

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  69. Our thoughts and prayers for you and Winnie.

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  70. Poor darling Winnie! And poor darling John, too. Will be thinking of you all, including the Prof, because we all know he secretly adores Winnie as well.
    Sending the old girl my best wishes from Australia.

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  71. Oh John, it breaks my heart to hear this. I love that sweet gal. Sending prayers and positive thoughts that she'll pull through this with flying colors!

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  72. Come on Winnie - we are all pulling for you!

    Big virtual hug to you both

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  73. Praying to St. Theresa of Lisieux (Little Flower) for Winnie's health to get better.

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  74. Oh no, poor darling Winnie, and poor you and the Prof dealing with this...I do so hope she will be ok, the antibiotics were given early enough so here's hoping she will rally with gusto. Hugs to you all and a special kiss for Winnie..XX

    Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  75. John, I'm thankful you got beautiful, brown eyes Winnie to the vet and on antibiotics! I just want to give her some kisses and treats. She has the ability to read humans and she showers with hello's and kisses. We love her! 💚 Keep us posted. 💙 Gabby

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  76. Sounds like she'll be having more than her usual amount of treats. Poor gal, nothing worse than a sick dog. My thoughts are with you. Cro x

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  77. Oh no, Winnie!! Get better!

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  78. Oh my GAWD! Dear, dear old thing! Please, PLEASE recover well. I'll now be carrying a heavy weight around inside me until we hear better news. :-(

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  79. Sending good thoughts and wishes x

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  80. Anonymous8:07 am

    Thank goodness for your medical knowledge, John. Hope she'll be ok.

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  81. Thinking of you John, best wishes. X

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  82. All fingers & paws crossed here x

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  83. Pyos by their very nature are a risk, but in her favour she is on ABs, you spotted it then acted quickly and it is an open discharge not a retained infection. Sending Winnie, and you, positive thoughts, xx

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  84. I hope she is better today,was thinking about her.

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  85. I hope that things are looking a little better today and that all will be well. Thinking of you - and you too John!

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  86. No smart, brittle comments today. You're in my thoughts.

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  87. Thinking of you all John and best wishes for a happy outcome xx

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  88. She's so lucky to have you as her 'dad'. Hugs for Winnie. xx

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  89. Thinking of you. Hope she pulls through this. She is lucky to be in the best of hands.

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  90. Poor sweetheart. And she still has the time to be charming. Thinking of you all.

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  91. Oh dear. Fingers crossed for good news.

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  92. Thinking of you, John. We always want to do what's best for our pets. I hope she does well on the antibiotics and her age is not a factor. Sending positive vibes... -Jenn

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  93. I'm a long time reader but have never commented before. However, this is something that I've experienced with our own dog, so I wanted to say something positive. I have a similar story to that of Elle B. My toy poodle was 14 years old when she was diagnosed with Pyometra having been incontinent, drinking like a camel, losing fur and been listless for quite a while. We faced the same choice as Elle with her dog - either removal of uterus and ovaries in an emergency surgery or she had to be euthanased immediately.

    The vet discussed it with us at length and told us that without surgery, she would die but with surgery, she would be a new dog and that given her breed, he'd estimate that we'd have her for another 3-5 years. We decided to go with the surgery as she was a dearly loved family member. She took a little while to fully recover, but then she was a completely new dog, putting on weight and regaining her vigour and cheeky playfulness and she lived another four happy and healthy years. We never regretted our decision.

    I do hope that Winnie will be her old self again. I know how hard it is to balance what we want against what is best for our dear furry friend. I just wanted to share what happened with our little lady, so that you know that there is hope for a happy outcome with some treatment. Thinking of you and Winnie.

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  94. Concerned, very . . . caring!

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  95. From our pack to yours, sending love and caring thoughts

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  96. Good morning, I hope there is improvement and Winnie is feeling better already . lots of love. C

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  97. Winnie is in the best and most loving hands possible. My furry kids and I will be sending lots of love and healing thoughts her (and your) way.

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  98. Hugs for both you and Winnie and fingers crossed for a prompt recovery xxx

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