Clinical disease of the reproductive tract in the dog and cat 1 - FEMALE Flashcards
When investigating vulval discharge, what should you consider? 4
Age, neutered status v important
Stage of repro cycle (esp metoestrus and pregnancy)
COLOUR OF DISCHARGE
Where is it coming from - uterus, vagina, urethra?
What are some causes of WHITE vaginal discharge? 4
vaginitis
early metoestrous
open pyometra
cystitis
What is normal vaginal discharge like?
Clear, mucoid
What might cause clear watery vaginal discharge?
amniotic/ allantoic fluid
When might you see GREENY BLACK vaginal discharge? 2
Normal parturition
Dystocia
When might you see BROWN/ RED–> BLACK vaginal discharge?
Metritis
When might you see YELLOW vaginal discharge?
Incontinence
When might you see red vaginal discharge?
Proestrus Oestrus Persistent ovarian follicle Ovarian tumour (oestrogen secreting) Vaginal trauma Vaginal FB Cystisi Urethral neoplasia Coagulopathy Placental separation Sub-involution post-partum Vascular malformation
What does vaginitis usually present as?
purulent discharge in the healthy bitch
What are the 2 types of vaginitis?
JUVENILE (PREPUBERTAL) VAGINITIS - secondary to bacterial contamination and excess vaginal secretion, usually resolves spontaneously with first season and ABs should be avoided
ADULT VAGINITIS - less common, aim to identify and treat specific cause, may respond to exogenous oestrogens (topical/oral)
What is pyometra?
V. important in SA practice - dogs and cats
Uterus fills with pus, life-threatening potential
Usually presents within 8 weeks of last oestrous
OPEN or CLOSED.
Distinguish open and closed cervix pyometra.
OPEN = associated with mucopurulent vaginal discharge and mild-moderately enlarged uterus CLOSED = not associated with vaginal discharge, uterus usually grossly enlarged and animal systemically ill
What 4 factors all need to be in place to lead to a pyometra?
Bacterial infection
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia
Progesterone
Open cervix - commonly E.coli but also Klebsiella enter
What signs may be seen with pyometra?
Depression, lethargy, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, pyrexia, PUPD, vomiting, collapse, shock
Neutropphilia with L shift, possible azotaemia, acidosis, endotoxaemia, hypoglycaemia, anaemia, coagulation abnormalities
What is cystic change?
Something that leads to pyometra where cysts develop within mucosa of uterus and is a substrate for bacteria to interact with.
How do you diagnose pyometra?
Ultrasound
Radiography
How do you treat pyometra?
Medical
Surgical - most common, OVH
What are the causes of vaginal trauma (uncommon)?
Iatrogenic
Forced separation of mating dogs
Malicious wounding
May bleed severely
How do you investigate vaginal trauma?
Confirm origin
Conservative/ supportive treatment usually all that is required +/- BS ABs