Is a 45,000 WBC count dangerous for a dog with a uterine infection?

Hello, sorry to hear about Laika. Success ratios for pyometras (infected uterus) may differ between regions. However, most pyometra surgeries are up to 90% successful. Complications associated with this surgery include bleeding, peritonitis, spread of infection and abnormal heart rhythms. In a paper published in 2014, they found that these complications can be seen post-operatively in about 25% of cases. Post surgery Laika should be exercise restricted for 2 weeks until her stitches (if any) are removed. She should wear a cone to avoid her licking at her own incision and your veterinarian will likely give you antibiotics and pain medications to give her at home. Not following strict exercise restriction and wearing a cone may lead to her incision re-opening up or becoming infected. Post the 2 week period, Laika may resume her normal lifestyle. The only way to avoid this disease is by spaying her in her early age. This is generally a big surgery, we are going into the abdomen to remove infected friable tissue. So therefore, it is no longer considered a routine spay and as previously discussed, there are some complications that can be associated wth this procedure. Unfortunately, the other option to treat medically has only been proven to be about 60% effective in one paper and 25% on most other papers with a high re-currence rate. Ultimately the complication for not treating the pyometra or failed medical treatment includes a widespread infection which could lead to death. I would recommend moving forward with the surgery as soon as possible as it is the best way to treat this disease. Hope this helps and best of luck.

At this point with history of a pyometra, the anemia could be secondary to a chronic infection and until the infection is under control the anemia may continue to worsen. Post-surgery, it would be important to ensure that there is no blood loss. If the total protein is low and the red blood cells are dropping this could indicate that there is a hemorrhage occurring somewhere in the body. If an ultrasound has not already been performed, I would certainly recommend having one done to help see if there's anything going on in the abdomen that may indicate an active hemorrhage. If an active Hemorrhage has been ruled out, then the next challenge is to determine whether or not the anemia is regenerative or non regenerative. As I stated earlier, this anemia could be secondary to the infection and it could also be immune-mediated meaning that the immune system is destroying the red blood cells for some reason. Some drugs can cause this condition and other times we never find out what it is caused by, we simply treat. I would have a reticulocyte count sent out as part of a full workup. My concern is that the red blood cell count continues to drop. You may be faced with the decision to do a blood transfusion to maintain the red blood cells at a particular level so that Hannah remains stable. If this is due to a chronic infection, then it may take some time for the antibiotics to start working before the anemia resolved or begins to improve. I sure hope Hannah improves soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help answer any others that you may have.

No, that is not normal. She should be put on broad spectrum antibiotics. There may be an infection in the uterine tissue that is remaining in the abdomen (stump pyometra). A second surgery may be needed to remove the infective tissue. The bloodwork shows a high white blood cell count indicating infection. Some of her liver enzymes are mildly elevated but I don't think they are significant at this time. She needs to be evaluated for a stump pyometra. ( https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/canine/stump-pyometra )

There is a very high white blood cell count that is mostly neutrophils so there is definitely an underlying infection somewhere in the body. She is also very anemic and her chloride is very low. Unfortunately, her symptoms are non-specific. Anything disease process or illness can cause lack of appetite. You can not use feel to assess body temperature. They often feel warm to the touch but their body temperature will be normal, however, in this case, with the underlying infection I suspect she is feverish. You would need to take a rectal temperature to get a proper reading. The first thing that always comes to mind in a an unspayed dog is a uterine infection (pyometra) so I suggest you speak to the vet about that possibility. If it is not that you will just have to continue testing for things until you find something. The list of possibilities is very long from tick borne diseases to cancer and anything in between. Unfortunately, there is no way for me to diagnose her via the internet. I hope this clarifies a bit and I wish Stephanie a speedy recovery.

Your poor pup! If she isn't spayed, I would be very concerned that she has a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment, and it would cause a white discharge as well as vomiting. It sounds like your vet may have been suspicious she had a pyometra and tried treating it medically with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately the medical route often isn't successful, and surgery is needed to treat it. This means spaying her. I would take her back into the vet immediately, as this is a medical emergency. Best of luck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach if Izzy has a pyometra or uterine infection she needs to be spayed ASAP. This can be a fatal turn right on Rio Grande St. infection leading to sepsis turn left on superior and death if left untreated. While antibiotics can decrease signs It will typically not fully clear the infection, which will cotinue to recur and worsen. If Izzy has a foul smelling bloody discharge she needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Precautionary measures include getting a physical exam and blood sample taken prior to surgery to make sure there are no underlying health issues that would compromise her ability to make through surgery or handle the anesthetic given during surgery. During surgery, her blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation should be monitored. IV fluids are typically given during surgery to help maintain blood pressure and provide hydration. After surgery, her incision may be iced every 2-3 hours and she may be given antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications. Her incision should be check within 24 hours after the surgery to ensure there is no bleeding occurring or fluid building underneath the incision. A recheck exam should be conducted within 10-14 days after surgery. I hope this helps!