A normal healthy dog keeps him/herself relatively clean. In addition to cleaning their legs and body, dogs will also lick their genital areas in an attempt to remove dirt, discharge or debris. Excessive licking in this area may indicate a medical problem and can be a cause for concern.

Causes in Males

In males, abnormal preputial discharge can result in excessive licking. Preputial discharge is any substance emanating (flowing) from the prepuce (the fold of skin that covers the penis). Preputial discharge may consist of blood, urine or pus. The normal dog should have no discharge; however a small amount of whitish-yellow "smegma" can accumulate around the preputial opening, and is not considered clinically significant. Causes of excessive discharge include:

Disorders affecting the prepuce, including neoplasia (cancer), trauma, foreign body or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis/prepuce)

Disorders of the urethra, including neoplasia, trauma or calculi (stones)

Disorders of the urinary bladder including infection, calculi, inflammation or neoplasia

Disorders of the prostate, including prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate), neoplasia, hyperplasia (enlargement), cyst or abscess

Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) including thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) and ingestion of rat poison

Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or improperly functioning sphincter (tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)

Causes in Females

In females, abnormal vaginal discharge can result in excessive licking. Vaginal discharge is any substance emanating (flowing) from the vulvar labia (the external female genitals). Vaginal discharge may be a normal part of the heat cycle in dogs or as a normal finding in the postpartum (afterbirth) period, sometimes lasting 6 to 8 weeks. Causes of excessive abnormal discharge include:

Urogenital tract infections (urinary tract infection, pyometra/infected uterus)

Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract

Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) or inflammation anywhere in the urogenital tract

Coagulation (clotting) disorders (associated with rat poison, low platelets)

Trauma or foreign body of the urogenital tract

Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or problem with the sphincter (the tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)

Retained placenta (the organ that unites the fetus with the lining of the uterus) or fetal death

The presence of genital discharge most often suggests an underlying problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even life threatening disease.

What To Watch For

Excessive licking

Spotting

Discharge

Swelling of genital area

Diagnosis

It is important to perform a thorough physical examination, including a thorough genital examination. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

A complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis are recommended. Although often within normal limits, there may be evidence of infection or inflammation

A bacterial urine culture to rule out a urinary tract infection

Cytology (cells obtained from the discharge) and bacterial culture of the discharge

A coagulation profile in cases of bloody discharge, and/or if a clotting problem is suspected

Abdominal radiographs (X-ray) assess for the presence of a pyometra (infected uterus) in an intact (not spayed) female and prostate abnormalities in the male

Abdominal ultrasound is helpful in a more thorough evaluation of the abdominal structures

Treatment

There are several things your veterinarian might recommend to treat the patient with genital discharge and excessive licking.

Remove or treat any obvious inciting or underlying cause, such as foreign body, tumor or infection

Vaginitis in young dogs usually resolves after the first heat; therefore, no therapy is indicated

Daily flushing and cleansing of the vagina or prepuce can be of benefit in many cases

Home Care

Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian and observe your pet closely. If the clinical signs are not improving or getting worse, contact your veterinarian at once.