PDSA vets save Gypsy

A Labrador has survived a life-threatening illness thanks to vets and nurses at Wolverhampton PDSA PetAid hospital.

 

When Paula Edwards noticed her dog Gypsy was not her usual self, she took her to the charity’s pet hospital at Tuxford Close where tests revealed Gypsy’s uterus had developed a serious condition called pyometra, and ruptured due to infection in her womb.

 

PDSA’s Head Nurse, Kay Brough, says: “Gypsy was in a really bad way when Miss Edwards brought her in to see us. Her uterus has ruptured, and there was a real danger that Gypsy could develop deadly peritonitis if we didn’t act as quickly as we could. We operated immediately to remove Gypsy’s uterus and flushed out her abdomen to get rid of the bacteria that could be there.”

 

Gypsy’s drama unfolded when Paula noticed the 11-year-old Labrador seemed unwell

 

“Gypsy was panting a lot,” says Paula. “She seemed to be in pain and was shaking too. She’s usually a very friendly dog and likes a lot of fuss, so I knew something was terribly wrong.”

 

Worried by Gypsy’s symptoms, Paula rushed her beloved dog to PDSA’s PetAid hospital – an act that probably saved her life:

 

“I’m so grateful to PDSA’s vets and nurses for saving Gypsy’s life. She visited them several times after her operation, to make sure everything was healing. Now, she’s like a puppy again, playing with her ball and my other dog, TJ, a Jack Russell.”

 

Head Nurse Kay adds: “Pyometra is a nasty infection of the uterus. Common symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, sickness, excessive drinking and frequent urinating.

 

“It can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, but will usually recur after the dog’s next season, so it’s best to discuss neutering with your vet as prevention is much better than trying to fight off a serious condition like pyometra.

 

“Gypsy was lucky to survive. As well as her operation, she needed intensive care and antibiotics to fight off any remaining infection. We’re all delighted she is well again.”

 

For more information about caring for your dog’s health visit our Pet Health pages.