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