Vaginal discharge is defined as an abnormal discharge coming from the vagina. Unlike humans, cats don’t menstruate, any discharge from the vagina needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
Causes
- Pyometra: Infection of the uterus which occurs in unspayed females.
- 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 and should stop within 7 – 10 days.
- Cancer: Uterine, ovarian.
- Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage): This is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the unborn kittens are too immature to survive.
- Foreign body.
Symptoms
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)
- Polyuria/polydipsia (excessive thirst and 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 and treat the cause can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat and 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 and bacterial culture and sensitivity so that the appropriate antibiotic can be administered
Treatment
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:
- Find and 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:
- Ovariohysterectomy
- Chemotherapy
Foreign body:
Surgical removal of foreign body
Lochia:
Lochia is a normal part of the postnatal 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 and that the cat is not displaying any symptoms of acute metritis such as fever, loss of appetite etc.
