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Pets of the Homeless received a call from a homeless woman in Los Angeles, CA about her dog, Pebbles, a 12 year old female Pit Bull Terrier who was having seizures, vomiting, her stomach was rock hard, and she was having troubles walking. She had taken Pebbles to a veterinarian over the weekend who performed an x-ray and blood work. Her friend paid the veterinarian, and she had no more funds for treatment.
Pets of the Homeless' case manager talked with the veterinarian. He told us that Pebbles white blood cell count was 10 times higher than it should be and that the x-ray showed her uterus was full of infection (pyometra.)
We approved an examination at another veterinary office. The veterinarian wanted to perform emergency surgery to remove Pebbles' uterus immediately. The surgery was discounted, Pets of the Homeless contributed the maximum benefit
allowable.
Pyometra is a secondary infection that occurs as a result of hormonal changes in the female's reproductive tract. During estrus ("heat"), white blood cells, which normally protect against infection are inhibited from entering the uterus. It is a common condition in older female dogs that have not been spayed. Each time
a female dog has a "heat," usually twice a year, she undergoes all the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy whether she becomes pregnant or not. The changes in the uterus that occur with each heat make infection more likely with age. Thus, the importance of having your female pet spayed to avoid this common disease.
Pebbles' guardian called to say thank you and let us know Pebbles is recovering very well.
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