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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?
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Pyometra - Infection of the uterus.
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Acute Metritis - Inflammation of
the postpartum uterus.
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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.
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Lochia - Normal postpartum
discharge. This is greenish in colour, should not have an
unpleasant odour & should stop within 7 - 10 days.
-
Cancer - Uterine, ovarian
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Spontaneous abortion
(miscarriage) - This is the spontaneous end to a pregnancy at
a stage where the unborn kittens are too immature to survive.
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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;
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Excessive licking of the genital
area
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Fever
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Loss of appetite
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Lethargy
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Disinterest in kittens (if the
cat is a new mother)
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Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
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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;
How is it treated?
Obviously treatment depends on the
cause. If the cause is a bacterial infection then your
veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics.
Pyometra:
Acute Metritis:
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IV fluids to treat dehydration
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If necessary, evacuate the
uterus
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Antibiotics
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It may be necessary to perform
an
ovariohysterectomy
Vaginitis:
Treatment depends on the cause of
vaginitis, including;
Spontaneous abortion:
There is no treatment available.
But do take your cat, and the aborted contents to the
veterinarian.
Cancer:
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Oviarohysterectomy
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Chemotherapy
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.
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