Vaginitis in Cats

Overview:

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It is commonly seen in young cats. There are many possible causes of vaginitis some of which include; 

• Bacterial infection

• Viral infection

• Neoplasia

• It may appear as a sole entity or part of an upper genital trace infection [1]

• Foreign body

• Trauma

• Congenital abnormalities

• Prepubertal vaginitis

Bacterial infection of the vagina may spread to the bladder or uterus.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

• Licking the genital area

• Vaginal discharge

• Toms are sometimes attracted to a cat with vaginitis

• Frequent urination

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination, including a digital examination of the vagina & he obtain a medical history from you. Tests he may wish to perform include;

• Vaginal culture.

• Urinalysis.

• Endoscopic examination of the vagina.

• Complete blood count & biochemical profile. These typically come back normal.

• Culture of the vaginal discharge.

How is vaginitis treated?

Treatment is aimed at finding & treating the cause of vaginitis & may include;

• Removal of foreign body or cancer

• Mild vaginitis may only require douches

• Antibiotics will be prescribed in the case of a bacterial infection

• Prepubertal vaginitis usually resolves itself upon the first estrus

References: 

[1] The Cornell Book of Cats