Page 1168 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

56. The cat with vaginal discharge

Isobel Phebe Johnstone

KEY SIGNS
● Vaginal discharge ± systemic signs.

MECHANISM?
● Bacterial invasion of the uterus via the vagina.
WHERE?
● Uterus, vagina and vulva.

WHAT?
● Most cats with a vaginal discharge have pyometra.

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing vaginal discharge
INFLAMMATION/INFECTIOUS

Bacterial:
● Metritis* (p 1162)
Causes fever, septicemia, shock and a vaginal discharge.

● Cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra complex*** (p 1161)
Causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, vaginal discharge, inappetence, weight loss.

INTRODUCTION ● Acute bacterial infection can follow queening
(kittening), if there has been trauma to the
reproductive tract, and especially if there has
MECHANISM?
been abortion or retained fetuses or placental
Metritis and pyometra are caused by opportunistic tissue.
bacterial invasion of the uterus via the vagina whilst ● Chronic bacterial infection is usually a sequel of
the cervix is open. The bacteria are able to colonize in cystic endometrial hyperplasia where, under the
the uterus when the endometrium or uterine contents influence of excessive hormonal stimulation, there
are abnormal. is endometrial growth and excessive glandular secre-

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