Cat Vaginitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment |
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
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