Vaginal discharge refers to any substance coming from the animals vagina. Types of discharge can include mucus, blood, or pus. Since there are so many causes for this medical condition, consulting with a veterinarian is highly recommended.
Symptoms can include discharge from the animals vagina, spotting of blood, scooting the hindquarters, attracting males.
Outpatient treatment is sufficient under most circumstances. Medications in the form of vaginal douches and antibiotics will be used to treat the infected area.
Spaying can help to reduce the likelihood of vaginal infections. For birthing animals, make sure that all of the uterine contents have left the animals body, and be observant of excess blood or discharge after the birth.
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Causes of Vaginal Discharge in Dogs
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the heat cycle of the intact female dog. Bloody discharge occurs for several days when the bitch is in heat (in estrus).
Vaginal discharge is also a normal finding in the immediate postpartum (after birth) period. A dark green to black discharge is often present for several days, and traces of discharge may persist for up to 3 weeks.
When the placental sites do not recede in the bitch after birth, then a persistent watery and sometimes bloody discharge may occur. This type of discharge is abnormal.
Any discharge that occurs during a pregnancy is potentially abnormal.
Urogenital tract infections, such as a urinary tract infection or an infected uterus (pyometra), may result in an opaque purulent discharge from the vulva.
Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract may cause bloody, mucousy, or purulent vaginal discharge.
Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) may give rise to watery or mucousy discharge.
Coagulation (clotting) disorders that result in abnormal bleeding may produce a bloody discharge that can be difficult to distinguish from blood in the urine (hematuria).
Trauma or the presence of a foreign body in the vagina may result in bloody, watery, or purulent discharge.
Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine in the bladder) secondary to an abnormal location (ectopic) of the ureter, or a problem with the bladder sphincter (the muscle that acts like a valve at the opening of the bladder) may result in pooling of urine in the vagina and secondary irritation and discharge.
A defect and open communication (fistula) between the rectum and vagina may lead to the passage of watery fecal material from the vagina.
UTI
If your dog has a UTI (urinary tract infection), his or her pee may smell fishy. UTIs are caused by a buildup of bacteria entering the urethral opening and can be treated with antibiotics, so make sure you give your vet a call if you suspect this is the issue. UTIs can become more serious (and painful) if left untreated.