Vaginal Discharge in Dogs
By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Overview

A vaginal culture is indicated in cases of vaginitis or vaginal discharge.

What to Watch For

Vaginal discharge of any type other than the normal stream of urine

Attracting male dogs

Excessive licking of the vagina

Scooting the bottom along the floor

Increased urination and/or straining to urinate

Difficulty defecating

Lethargy, fever, increased thirst

Diagnosis

It is important to obtain a complete medical history and to perform a thorough physical examination. Additional tests may include:

A complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis

A urine culture to rule out a bacterial urinary tract infection

Vaginal cytology

Culture of the vaginal discharge

Abdominal radiographs (X-ray) to assess the uterus and pelvis

Abdominal ultrasonography

Vaginoscopy, which is examination of the vagina through a rigid or flexible viewing scope

Cytology and biopsy of any abnormal tissue in the vagina

Serologic tests for brucellosis and herpesvirus

Intravenous dye study of the kidneys and ureters to identify any abnormalities in the location of the ureters

A coagulation profile if bloody discharge may be related to a clotting problem

Treatment

Vaginal discharges that are considered normal for the dog do not require treatment. In addition, mild vaginitis that is sometimes present in young puppies often resolves spontaneously once the dog is spayed or has passed through its first heat.

Other causes of vaginal discharge are more serious and require specific therapy, depending upon the cause. Examples of such therapy include:

Surgical removal of an infected uterus, a vaginal foreign body, or a uterine or vaginal tumor

Surgical correction of any congenital defects of the ureters, the walls of the vagina or rectum

Antibiotics for urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginitis, and following trauma

Corrective therapy for any bleeding disorders

Chemotherapy for selected tumors of the vagina or external genitalia, e.g. transmissible venereal tumor, lymphosarcoma, transitional cell carcinoma

Avoidance of breeding the bitch while she has vaginal discharge

Home Care

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

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