Vaginal Discharge in Cats

Overview:

There are several causes of vaginal discharge in cats, which should always be checked over by your veterinarian.

Discharge may be bloody, odorous or clear.

What are the causes of vaginal discharge in cats?

• Pyometra - Infection of the uterus.

• Acute Metritis - Inflammation of the postpartum uterus.

• Vaginitis - This is an inflammation of the vagina. It can descend into the uterus if left untreated, causing pyometra. So fast veterinary attention is vital.

• Lochia - Normal postpartum discharge. This is greenish in colour, should not have an unpleasant odour & should stop within 7 - 10 days.

• Cancer - Uterine, ovarian

• Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) - This is the spontaneous end to a pregnancy at a stage where the unborn kittens are too immature to survive.

• Foreign body

Are there any other symptoms to watch out for?

Yes, other than a vaginal discharge, other symptoms to look out for may include;

• Excessive licking of the genital area

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Disinterest in kittens (if the cat is a new mother)

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

• Polyuria (excessive urination)

What should I do if I notice my cat has a vaginal discharge?

It is important you seek veterinary care immediately. Failure to find & treat the cause can be life threatening.

How will the cause be diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history from you. Some tests he may wish to perform include;

• X-ray

• Ultrasound

• Complete blood count

• Urinalysis

• Vaginoscopy

• Vaginal cytology

• Biopsy

• Cytologic examination of the discharge & a bacterial culture so that the appropriate antibiotic can be administered

How is it treated?

Obviously treatment depends on the cause. If the cause is a bacterial infection then your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics.

Pyometra:

• IV fluids to treat dehydration

• Ovariohysterectomy

• Antibiotics

Acute Metritis:

• IV fluids to treat dehydration

• If necessary, evacuate the uterus

• Antibiotics

• It may be necessary to perform an ovariohysterectomy

Vaginitis:

Treatment depends on the cause of vaginitis, including;

• Find & treat the underlying cause.

• If it is bacterial, prescribe antibiotics

Spontaneous abortion:

There is no treatment available. But do take your cat, and the aborted contents to the veterinarian.

Cancer:

• Oviarohysterectomy

• Chemotherapy

Foreign body:

• Surgical removal of foreign body

Lochia:

Lochia is a normal part of the post natal period but the owner should keep a close eye on the discharge to ensure the amount tapers off over 7-10 days, there is no odour & that the cat is not displaying any symptoms of acute metritis such as fever, loss of appetite etc.