Causes of Vaginal Discharge in Cats: Understanding the

It is important to note that vaginal discharge can be considered normal under certain types and specific circumstances. However, its presence can also indicate the existence of urinary or reproductive tract diseases.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge in Cats

1. Postpartum discharge (after giving birth) is normal. Deep green to black discharge typically lasts for several days, while traces of discharge may persist for up to three weeks.

2. Persistent watery discharge, sometimes with bloody discharge, can occur if the placenta does not regress after the kittens are born. This type of discharge is abnormal.

3. Any discharge during pregnancy may be abnormal.

4. Urinary and reproductive tract infections, such as urinary tract infections or uterine infections (pyometra), can lead to the vulva releasing opaque, purulent discharge.

5. Urinary and reproductive tract tumors (cancer) can cause vaginal discharge with blood, mucus, or pus.

6. Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) can cause watery or mucoid discharge.

7. Coagulation disorders may cause abnormal bleeding from the vulva, which can be difficult to distinguish from blood in urine (hematuria).

8. Trauma or the presence of a foreign object in the vagina can lead to bloody, watery, or purulent discharge.

9. Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine in the bladder) secondary to ureteral abnormalities (ectopia) or bladder sphincter (a muscle that acts as a valve at the bladder opening) issues can lead to urine retention in the vagina, causing secondary irritation and excretion. Congenital ureteral abnormalities in cats are rare.

10. Defects and open communications (fistulas) between the rectum and vagina can cause watery fecal matter to be expelled from the vagina.

Related Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge in Cats

1. Any type of discharge other than normal urine from the vagina

2. Excessive licking of the vagina

3. Sliding the body tail on the floor

4. Increased or tense urination

5. Difficulty defecating

6. Increased lethargy, fever, and thirst

Diagnosis of Vaginal Discharge in Cats

It is crucial to obtain a complete medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination of the cat. Other tests may include:

1. Complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and urinalysis

2. Urine culture to rule out bacterial urinary tract infections

3. Vaginal cytology

4. Vaginal discharge culture

5. Abdominal xrays to assess the condition of the uterus and pelvis

6. Abdominal ultrasound

7. Vaginoscopy, which is a procedure performed under general anesthesia using a rigid or flexible scope to examine the vagina

8. Cytology and biopsy analysis of any abnormal tissue within the vagina

9. Serologic testing for infectious viral diseases

10. Venography of the kidneys and ureters to determine any abnormalities in ureteral location

11. Coagulation function tests

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge in Cats

Cats with normal vaginal discharge do not require treatment. In other cases, specific treatment based on the cause is necessary. Examples of such treatments include:

1. Surgical removal of an infected uterus, vaginal foreign object, or vaginal tumor

2. Surgical correction of congenital ureteral or vaginal wall defects

3. Antibiotics for urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginitis, and posttrauma

4. Correctional treatment for any bleeding disorders

5. Chemotherapy for selected vaginal or external genitalia tumors (such as lymphosarcoma)

6. Avoiding breeding

Home Care

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for all prescribed medications strictly. Observe your cat carefully. If clinical symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your veterinarian immediately.