Tilly is a small Westie mix that was found at the East Valley Animal Shelter with an upper respiratory infection. She was incredibly scared of everything around her and was always looking for an exit. She was lethargic, wouldn’t eat and moaned quite a lot. We thought she may possibly be in heat cycle because of the discharge and enlarged nipples. We tried everything type of food trying to entice her appetite but she refused and just wanted to sleep. We knew something wasn’t right, aside from the URI so we scheduled her spay appointment 14 days out from the start of antibiotics.
Tilly had her surgery and it was discovered that her uterus was thickened and she had early pyometra which is an infection of the uterus. Infection in the lining of the uterus is established as a result of hormonal changes. Following estrus (“heat”), progesterone levels remain elevated for 8-10 weeks and thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for several estrus cycles, the lining continues to increase in thickness until cysts form within it. The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow. Additionally, high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract.
Now that she has recovered, a completely new dog has emerged. Tilly’s energy came back and she very much acts like the puppy that she is. She loves to play with the other dogs, and her people too, and has taken a new interest in toys. Now, she is the first one done eating and will steal food from the other dogs if given the chance.
This once little shy and scared girl is no more.
Thank you WestieMed for sponsoring this little girl. Because of you, she has a bright future coming!
Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)