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Clinical Evaluation of Vaginal Discharge in Small Animals
Vaginal discharge is a common clinical finding in female veterinary patients that necessitates a structured diagnostic approach to differentiate between normal physiological cycles and pathological conditions. This article outlines the systematic evaluation, potential etiologies, and diagnostic pathways for managing vaginal discharge.
Clinical summary
- Clinical signs
- Vulvar swelling, purulent, serosanguinous or mucoid discharge, frequent licking of the perineum, pollakiuria, and potential systemic signs like lethargy or polyuria/polydipsia.
- Possible causes
- Etiologies include pyometra, vaginitis, vaginal neoplasia, foreign bodies, urinary tract infections, and proestrus/estrus cycles.
- Diagnostic approach
- Comprehensive physical exam, vaginal cytology, urine analysis and culture, reproductive tract imaging (ultrasound), and vaginoscopy.
- Management
- Treatment is etiology-specific, ranging from antimicrobial therapy for vaginitis to surgical ovariohysterectomy for pyometra or tumor excision for neoplasia.
References
- [1]England, G. and von Heimendahl, A.. Manual of Canine and Feline Reproduction and Neonatology (2010)
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