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.