My Female Dog Has Clear Discharge

As stated in the introduction, there are various types of vaginal discharge in bitches. By looking at the color, consistency and even odor of vaginal discharge, a veterinarian will be better able to make a correct diagnosis of the problem. The following types of discharge in female dogs may be found:

• Pinkish discharge: this coloration is typical of the beginning of the estrous cycle and varies between light pink, watermelon, dark pink and may even have yellowish tones.
• Bloody discharge: rather than a clear mucus, this will be a thick bloody discharge. Bloody discharge in dogs can be due to various problems, but it is a distinct symptom of open pyometra. However, it is important to remember that some bleeding will likely occur for dogs in heat or due to lochia after giving birth.
• Green discharge: if it occurs during childbirth, it indicates the detachment of a placenta and the birth of a puppy should be followed in a few minutes. If not, it requires veterinary attention, since green discharge in dogs usually implies there in a infection.
• White discharge: it is usually related to the presence of an infection, as we will see in the following sections. It can also adopt a yellowish or greenish color.
• Transparent discharge: generally a clear and clean discharge will be part of the usual vaginal secretions but we will see in more detail why a dog has transparent discharge in the following sections.

While we can recognize the difference between bloody discharge and clear discharge easily, differentiating between white and clear emissions may be more difficult. Since the discharge can pick up matter as it travels, clear discharge can become cloudy. However, it is important we make the distinction as white discharge can be a problem related to various issues, including serious uterine infections such as pyometra.

Another possible cause of white discharge in female dogs is vaginitis. This is a general term for inflammation of the vagina. This does not always indicate infection, since a dog in heat will have a swollen vagina due to increased hormone production. It can also occur due to hereditary malformations to the sex organ.

However, a swollen vagina can also be a symptom of a serious health risk. Viral, fungal and bacterial infections can all produce white discharge. We often first notice it because the dog keeps licking her private area. This is because the inflammation can be painful and licking can help to relieve the sensation. We may first see clear discharge, but it then turns whiter or blood can appear as the infection develops.

Vaginitis requires treatment to prevent it from complicating and affecting the uterus or bladder. In bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. In some circumstances, surgery may be required to remove fluid build up. Juvenile vaginitis affects bitches under one year of age. Although it is usual that it does not produce symptoms, a whitish discharge can sometimes be observed.

A non-pathological case that explains why a female dog has white or transparent fluid from the vulva occurs after mating. This is due to the exit of sperm that has remained in the vagina. This occurs during the first 24 hours after mating. If the bitch is in heat and we do not want her to have puppies, we must go quickly to our veterinarian. Ovariohysterectomy is recommended if we don't want our dog to have puppies.

The most common explanation for clear odorless discharge in female dogs is simple normal discharge which lubricates the vagina. Since the vagina is lined with mucus membranes, it makes sense that it creates mucus. Clear, odorless and thin mucus is healthy. Once odors develop or it changes color, then it is usually a sign of a problem.

If a bitch has transparent discharge and is pregnant, it is normal for us to worry. Without other symptoms, it should represent normal vaginal discharge. On the other hand, in pregnancy and delivery we should consult with our veterinarian immediately if we observe any purulent discharge as this may indicate infection. Greenish discharge may indicate a placental abruption and hemorrhagic discharge of fresh blood is a sign of internal bleeding.

A yellowish fluid during labor will probably correspond to a ruptured amniotic sac. In this case, the puppy should be born within a matter of minutes. If you think this is the case, you should know the signs a dog is about to go into0 labor.

Unfortunately, vaginal discharge in pregnant dogs can also be a sign of miscarriage. When the embryos do not attach properly, due to health problems or genetic issues, the gestation will stop and the discharge may the loss of reproductive material.

Fetal reabsorption occurs up to 40 days of gestation, approximately. It is in these cases that the dog could present a clear vaginal discharge, although it could also have blood or pus. The dog may be emotionally upset, have with a fever or refuse food. However, if reabsorption occurs early in pregnancy there will be no symptoms. If fetal death takes place in a more advanced stage of gestation, instead of clear discharge we will see vaginal bleeding accompanied by tissue loss.

A dog that has a clear mucous vaginal discharge may be suffering from vaginal or vulvar tumors. These are more common in older females. In addition to discharge, we may see symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, excessive licking of the area or increased frequency of urination. When the tumor grows in size sufficiently, we may see it emerge from the vagina. They are usually benign tumors and can be removed surgically.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to My Female Dog Has Clear Discharge, we recommend you visit our Reproductive system diseases category.