Zoe’s Uterine Lumps
Published: October 30th, 2021
Zoe’s Uterine Lumps
Published: October 30th, 2021
THIS ARTICLE IS FROM THE AUTUMN/winter 2021 EDITION OF OUR PETS & VETS MAGAZINE
Zoe is an 8 year old Patterdale Terrier who was found straying. She was already microchipped but there was no response to our attempts to re-unite her with her owner. Since no-one came to claim her, our onsite vet gave Zoe a thorough check over, vaccinated her, treated her for fleas and worms and then anaesthetised her for spaying and dental work.
Not only did Zoe have 5 loose teeth extracted, she underwent her spay operation to remove her ovaries and uterus (womb). The ovaries secrete hormones throughout a dog’s life which can lead to mammary (breast) cancers as well as diabetes and acromegaly.
The uterus can develop an infection known as pyometra (literally, pus in the uterus, which can lead to sepsis, organ failure and sometimes death) as well as tumours.
During Zoe’s operation, our vet discovered 3 solid growths and one pus-filled swelling on her uterus. We don’t know what type the 3 tumours were, but our vet checked inside Zoe’s abdomen for the presence of secondary tumours which would indicate malignancy and spread. There were no other growths to see or feel so we are hopeful that removal of the uterus has removed all the tumour cells. Zoe’s uterine tumours were not causing any symptoms and weren’t of a size to cause distension of her tummy, so it was only during her spay operation that they were found.
Uterine tumours in dogs are uncommon. The most common type is a leiomyoma, a tumour of the smooth muscle of the uterus, which is benign. The more malignant sarcomas and carcinomas are rare. Most uterine tumours are discovered during abdominal surgery, as in Zoe’s case. The benign nature of the majority of uterine tumours means that removal of the uterus is usually curative and prognosis is good. Zoe’s uterus clearly showing the lumps.
The pus in Zoe’s uterus was not making her ill but, left untreated, it could have developed
into pyometra. If you do not intend to breed from your female dog, it is strongly recommended to have her spayed to prevent the health conditions discussed.
Zoe recovered well from her surgery and has now gone to a new, happy home.
