Question regarding polymetra (infected uterus) with kitten? ?

Question

She was found by someone on 7/15. I took her in on 8/4. She just had spay surgery today 8/26. The vet determined that she did have an infected uterus. How likely is that she will have kidney damage and other damage? Did too much time to go by? Is it a gray area at this point? The vet during a full examination discovered mucus and a blood analysis showed a high white blood cell count. She's been on Clavamox since 8/25. The first vet didn't notice that she was sick.

Answer 1

A high white blood cell count indicates an infection.  Now that the source of infection has been removed, she'll be given antibiotics so that she can get well.  The vet may switch her from Clavamox to something stronger - or maybe not.  While it's impossible to say that no additional damage occurred,  in rescue we've spayed lots of cats with Pyometria who've recovered just fine and had no health issues after that.  

Are they planning on keeping her overnight after her spay?  In any case make a list of your questions, and don't be afraid to call and ask them.  You won't be bothering them, just explain that you are concerned and have some questions that you'd like answered.   They will be happy to take them down, and get answers for you.  Being a concerned pet owner is never a bother!  

If she's got all of her adult teeth, she's likely closer to a year old.  That's another good question for the vet, they can generally make a pretty good guess about their age by looking at their teeth.  She may be small because she's had poor care so far, or maybe she's just destined to be a small cat?  

Good luck with her - I'm sure she's going to be fine now that she's with someone who cares about her.

Answer 2

Hi Sahara. I'm sorry to hear that your kitten has possible pyometra. It's an awful thing for her to have. The most important thing with treating pyometra is noticing it and treating it as quickly as possible with an ovariohysterectomy and with a strong antibiotic such as clavamox. 90% of cats make a full recovery as it can be very successfully treated if caught in time. Did you notice any change in her character, eating & drink habits? Did you notice any pinkish or brownish smelly pus coming from her uterus tract? This can tell you if she has an open pyometra or a closed pyometra (closed being more dangerous). Did she have a calling bout in the past 2-3 weeks as a calling cycle can bring on pyometra? Had her tummy been larger or more distended than usual? These are all the things you must be aware of as these are the things your vet will, or rather SHOULD, ask you when you take her in for an examination. I'd ask your vet to palpate her tummy, ask for an ultrasound scan if you can afford it, ask for blood work and urine to be tested for kidney function and just in case for any urinary tract infection as well. These will help your vet determine if she has pyo only or if she will need to be treated for kidney problems or any UTI as well. It's best to get these done as quickly as possible so that your kitten gets all the medication and treatment she needs for a full recovery. Once she has been spayed, the chances of her having pyometra again is reduced drastically. After her op, just keep an eye on her op wound to make sure it heals well and cleanly.

I have a breeder friend who had one of her queens come down with a pyo. She wasn't spayed as she had open pyo, it was caught early & it was treatable with clavamox only. She made a full recovery and was mated on her next heat cycle and had a lovely litter of 2 chunky Maine Coon kittens.

Don't feel bad about ringing them, I'm sure they'd love to see you keep abreast of how her treatment is progressing and would not hesitate to answer any question you have!

I'll keep you & your kitten in my thoughts for a successful treatment and a quick recovery!!

All the best and email me if you need to talk.

Answer 3

You are doing the right thing now, and for that you should be commended for.  Not to sound blunt, but if you waited to long, the cat would have already perished.  The fact that shes alive and recovering is a great sign!  Last year I rescued a stray tortoise shell cat and  brought to my friends house who I knew wanted a cat and would take her.  About an hour later we realized she was leaking bad (you know what I'm talking about with pyometra)  The next day was the weekend, and all the vets were booked so we took her to the emergency vet to checked out and have spayed.   Its been about 18 months and Bootsy, the rescued cat, made a quick full recovery, and is an awesome cat.  The vet told my friend that if he had waited another day or two, the cat probably would have died.  

** You should be proud you saved the cats life and expect a full recovery!!  This cat is lucky to have found you.

Answer 4

I would discuss this with the vet who did the surgery. The infection would have caused a high level of white cells but you don't want to take chances. The vet will be able to help you plan a course of post-op testing and treatment.

Helping your kitten to be healthy is the vet's job.  Write down the questions you want answered so you don't get brain freeze when you go to the vet to pick her up. They will be happy to answer any questions you have.  The only stupid question is one that goes unasked.