The female dog uterus is an extremely important organ in the canine reproductive system. It is where the embryo develops during pregnancy, ensuring that the puppies have a healthy birth. The anatomy of the female dog uterus allows the organ to perform several essential functions for reproduction. On the other hand, this organ (like any other) can also suffer from some diseasesThe female dog's uterus is a part of the canine anatomy full of curiosities and surprises that every guardian needs to know. That's why Patas da Casa tells you everything about what a female dog's uterus is like, from its anatomy to the diseases that can affect the health of the female dog. Check it out!

The bitch uterus has several essential functions for the canine reproductive system

The main function of the bitch's uterus is to receive and house the embryo. This organ helps transport the sperm until they reach the oviduct, where fertilization occurs. It is in the bitch's uterus that the embryo is implanted and stored until the time of delivery. The organ is also responsible for placenting the embryo and allowing it to develop throughout the dog's pregnancy,With so many primary functions, we can say that the uterus is one of the most important organs for canine reproduction to occur.

Anatomy of the bitch's uterus: learn more about the organ

After all, what does a bitch's uterus look like? This organ has a cavitary shape. The anatomy of the bitch's uterus consists of two horns, a body and a cervix. The wall of the organ is formed by three layers: endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. There are also peritoneal ligaments, which have the function of ensuring that the bitch's uterus is always in its proper place. The organis always located in the inner part of the abdominal region. Another important point to take into account regarding the anatomy of the bitch's uterus is its size. On average, the organ reaches up to 10 kg and measures 0.8 cm. This is the standard measurement of a healthy bitch's uterus. Any change in size should be investigated.

During pregnancy, the bitch's uterus stores the embryo and allows it to develop.

It is in the bitch's uterus that the embryo is stored and develops throughout the puppy's pregnancy, which lasts an average of 60 days. Throughout this period, the pregnant puppy will show some changes. Lack of appetite, swelling in the breasts, nausea, tiredness and weight gain are some of them. In addition, the bitch's uterus expands as the puppy develops inside. Bythis, we see the increase in the volume of the abdominal region.

Throughout this period, it is essential that the bitch has some special care. One of the most important is with food. The pregnant bitch is with the future puppy in her uterus and needs to receive an extremely nutritious diet to ensure the healthy development of her puppy. It is also essential to maintain a veterinary follow-up and perform prenatal care. In this way, thetutor will know how the health of the mother and puppies is and will be prepared for the moment when the bitch's uterus will expel the newborn puppies.

The bitch's uterus can develop some diseases

Unfortunately, the female dog's uterus can also suffer from certain health problems. Unlike a healthy female dog's uterus, a female dog with a disease in this organ will show some characteristic symptoms, ranging from secretions to severe pain. Pyometra in female dogs and uterine cancer are the most common conditions that deserve attention.

Canine pyometra: bacteria causes infection in dog's uterus

Pyometra in female dogs is a disease that affects the uterus during or after the heat. During this period, the dog's hormone levels rise and fall continuously, like a roller coaster. These hormonal changes end up making the uterus a more sensitive environment and, consequently, predisposed to suffer from the proliferation of certain infectious agents, such as bacteria. The bacteria that causesinfection in the dog's uterus lodges in the endometrium and proliferates, leading to canine pyometra.

A major problem with this uterine infection is that bacteria can still travel throughout the uterine region and be carried to other parts of the body. Canine pyometra is unfortunately a fairly common condition in unneutered female dogs, as with each heat the uterus becomes an even more sensitive environment for bacteria to proliferate.

Symptoms of canine pyometra involve discharge and abdominal pain

The bacteria that cause infection in the dog's uterus can cause two types of pyometra: open or closed. In open pyometra, there is the presence of vaginal secretions. In closed pyometra, these secretions exist, but are not released. As the cervix is obstructed, the secretions are not eliminated and accumulate there, which makes canine pyometra even more serious. One of the main problems of theuterine infection is a silent disease. Symptoms are slow to appear and, consequently, treatment may be slow to begin. Although the bacteria that cause infection in the uterus of a dog usually begin to act during the heat, the symptoms usually take two months to manifest. Among the symptoms of canine pyometra, we can highlight:

• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Increased abdominal volume
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Vaginal discharge (if pyometra is of the open type)

How to treat infection in the uterus of female dog?

After the diagnosis of pyometra, every guardian wonders if it is possible to make the female dog's uterus healthy again with some treatment. The disease can be cured, but for that, it is necessary to remove the uterus. The best way to treat infection in the dog's uterus is to perform surgical intervention. In this surgery, the specialist will remove the uterus that is infected to prevent it from becoming infected.The vet may also recommend medication to clean the uterus of a bitch (if necessary) and other medications, such as antibiotics, to treat and prevent further infections.

Uterine cancer in female dogs is a serious problem related to high hormone levels

Cancer in the uterus of a female dog is another problem that can unfortunately affect animal health. The cause of the tumor is related to high hormonal action. An unneutered female dog undergoes many hormonal changes in each heat. As time goes by, the rate of hormones becomes very high. Consequently, this high exposure leads to the appearance of tumor cells. Infection in the uterus ofdog (pyometra) can also facilitate the onset of this condition.

The use of contraceptives for female dogs is another problem that leaves the dog predisposed to suffer from uterine cancer. Many owners opt for contraceptives instead of castration. This is a big mistake because contraceptives contain high hormonal rates. The dog becomes extremely concentrated in hormones, which, as we explained, favors uterine cancer (in addition toother types, such as breast cancer).

Symptoms of uterine cancer in bitches are quite non-specific

How to identify uterine cancer in a female dog? Unfortunately, identifying this disease is often a bit tricky. The reason for this is that the symptoms of uterine cancer in female dogs are quite non-specific. To make the diagnosis, the veterinarian must take into account some physical and behavioral changes common to several other conditions, such as lack of appetite, discharge and lack of health.Then, imaging tests should be performed to be sure if it is a case of cancer or not.

In other words, the best way to identify uterine cancer in a female dog is to take your pet to the vet as soon as you notice any of these changes. The specialist will take into account the set of factors to rule out other hypotheses and perform imaging tests. Treatment varies according to the degree of the disease and may require chemotherapy sessions in dogs.

Female dog's uterus is removed in castration surgery

Female dog castration surgery is a very simple and safe procedure. The dog needs to take a general anaesthetic so that she does not feel pain. In the castration, the ovaries and uterus of the female dog are removed. For this, an incision is made in the navel region. Many guardians are afraid of how the cut of the uterus surgery in female dogs looks or worry about possible complications. The truth is thatany surgery can cause complications, even due to anesthesia, but when done in a trusted place, the risks are minimal.

As for the fear of how the cut of the uterus surgery in bitches looks like, there is nothing to worry about. After castration the doctor gives some stitches and the bitch needs to wear a surgical garment or an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from touching them. After a while, the veterinarian removes these stitches in a very simple way without causing any pain to the animal.

Castration of a female dog: removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female dog has several health benefits

Many people are afraid of castration, but the truth is that the dog only has to gain from this procedure. As we have already seen, diseases such as canine pyometra and uterine cancer are caused mainly by the high hormonal rate. After the castration of the dog, however, these constant hormonal changes that happen in every heat are mitigated, since she no longer goes into heat.Therefore, we can say that castration of a female dog prevents canine pyometra and uterine cancer, as well as other diseases such as breast cancer. Another advantage is that castration also prevents the dog from becoming pregnant and that she develops psychological pregnancy. You can be sure that castrating the dog is always an act of love!