Spayed Female Dog Leaking Clear Fluid That Doesn’t Smell
When we think of dogs, the last thing on our minds would be a dog’s vaginal discharge. However, it is vital to know these matters so that you can tell when things go wrong. Vaginal discharge is any fluid that emerges from the vulva, no matter the color.
The appearance of the discharge is enough to indicate whether a dog is healthy or not. The discharge can be watery, bloody, mucoid, or purulent, all indicating a different issue. If you notice your dog has vaginal discharge, reach out to the vet for solutions. There are many factors that can cause dogs to have vaginal discharge that we will cover in the sections below.
Symptoms of Dogs Vaginal Discharge
- The dog will have bloody or cloudy urine.
- Bloody, purulent, mucoid, or watery discharge.
- Consistent fever.
- Frequent urination.
- Low appetite.
- Difficulty in holding urine in.
- Behavioral changes.
Causes
- Physical trauma in the uterus or vagina.
- Urinary tract infection or a vaginal infection.
- The dog just lost a fetus.
- Serious urinary tract infection
- Cancer of the pelvic area.
- May be suffering from a physical defect like a fistula.
- Prolonged estrus cycle.
- The canine might still have a placenta in the womb.
Diagnosis
Dogs are very close to us, so it is easy to panic when you realize something is off with your pet. There are several causes of vaginal discharge, and some are more serious than others. The best thing is to call your vet and schedule a checkup.
If you delay seeing the vet, hoping that the discharge will subside, you may further aggravate the situation. Present the doctor with information regarding the dog’s sexual activity, medications, or any other observations that might help the doctor narrow down the real cause.
The vet will examine the dog ruling out any illnesses unrelated to the symptoms presented. Your dog might just be going through the estrus cycle, which is normal. You will spend some hours in the veterinary office if it ends up being a severe issue, so come prepared regardless.
A urinary tract infection is a common way for dogs to start producing vaginal discharge. The fact that the vagina and the urinary tract are in the same area promotes cross-contamination. You will notice that the urine will be cloudy or bloody, depending on the intensity.
The doctor may choose to take a sample of the cloudy/bloody urine to determine what the issue is. Another option would be to use a blood sample to rule out any other infections or serious diseases.
An ultrasound of the pelvic area might be necessary to rule out serious diseases like cancer. Cancer of the uterus, ovary, or vagina may compromise the reproductive system and introduce secondary infections. This ultrasound procedure is affordable and non-invasive; therefore, your dog will not be uncomfortable. The doctor may request an MRI or X-ray if the ultrasound results prove inconclusive.
Treatment and Recovery
After the doctor analyses the tests’ data, they will treat the issue according to the underlying condition. If the issue ties in with the estrus cycle, you should not worry, as it will dissipate after a while
If the dog has an infection, the doctor will administer a round of antibiotics to reduce the spread of the infection. If the condition is dire, then the doctor will have no choice but to recommend a hysterectomy. For owners who spayed their female dogs, the vet will recommend another resection.
Dealing with cancer is a different deal altogether because the treatment’s success depends on the type and progression of the cancer. Surgical procedures, radiation, or chemotherapy might be useful in reducing cancer’s reach and help the dog’s body fight off the disease.
The recovery process depends on the causing agent and its intensity. Infections do not take much time to clear out because antibiotics work. Serious diseases like cancer will take some time because it is a very aggressive disease. If your dog underwent surgery, post-surgery care is essential to ensure everything is healing well.
Those with dogs who just gave birth and still removing copious amounts of discharge should see the doctor as soon as possible. This is because the dog may bleed out or suffer from metritis.
Conclusion
Many of the vaginal discharge-causing factors are treatable if caught on time, even cancer. As soon as you notice any changes, consult your doctor and seek working solutions. When your dog is healthy and well, you will be less stressed and more relieved. Your dog will appreciate your efforts, too, since any discomfort will disappear.
