What is Vaginal Inflammation?
Vaginal inflammation in cats, also called vaginitis, is a condition in which the vaginal area on a female cat becomes irritated or inflamed and may have some light colored discharge. The condition is moderately painful for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to more complicated issues such as urinary tract infections (UTI) and infection of the uterus or other reproductive organs. While vaginitis may often resolve on its own, given the ease with which more serious conditions may develop, it's best to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your cat is suffering from vaginitis.
Vaginal Inflammation Average Cost
From 483 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Vaginal Inflammation in Cats
While vaginal inflammation may sound like a straightforward condition, given the fastidious nature of cats, it can be difficult to catch. Here are a few common symptoms to watch out for.
- Red or swollen vaginal area
- Light colored, mucus-like discharge
- Increased attention from male cats
- Scooting of rear end across surfaces
- Excessive grooming or licking
- Frequent urination or trips to the litter box without urinating
Causes of Vaginal Inflammation in Cats
The causes of vaginal inflammation in cats may be varied. A qualified veterinarian will be able to diagnose your pet appropriately. Some causes may include:
- Bacterial infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Cyst or abscess of vaginal area
- Trauma or injury
- Presence of foreign objects
- Interior physical deformities of vaginal folds
Diagnosis of Vaginal Inflammation in Cats
While diagnoses of the condition itself is present upon an initial examination, it is the underlying cause of the symptoms the veterinarian will be the most concerned with. To begin, your vet will conduct a physical examination of your cat. Your vet will check temperature, tenderness in the abdomen and clarity of eyes and any discharge from the mouth.
Next, your vet will want to collect urine from your cat. Unlike in dogs, collecting urine from a cat can be difficult. Your vet may wish to collect a clean, uncontaminated sample by inserting a needle directly into the bladder. Your cat may need mild sedation for this procedure, although most cats tolerate this procedure well. A urinalysis of the fluid collected will identify the presence of any white blood cells and will also allow a vet to perform a culture to determine which medicines any bacteria in the urine may be susceptible to.
In the event the cause of the vaginitis in your cat is not immediately apparent, or if frequent bouts of vaginitis reoccur, your vet may also use a scope or ultrasound to determine whether any internal deformities exist. These deformities, or folds, can often cause bacteria to collect and grow in the urine, creating a situation where perpetual infections may occur.
Treatment of Vaginal Inflammation in Cats
Treatment of vaginal inflammation in cats is typically straightforward, but strict. Your vet will order that your cat be provided with unlimited clean drinking water, in order to dilute any bacteria in the urine. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a course of antibiotics. The type of antibiotic will be tailored to the specific form of bacteria in your cat’s urine, determined from the culture of the collected urine.
In the event of persistent vaginitis with recurring infection, your veterinarian may have several options to consider. First, if your cat is young, unspayed and has not yet experienced a heat cycle, your vet may recommend spaying your cat. Your veterinarian will still recommend treating the bouts as they occur until hormonal changes are resolved.
If time and spaying do not resolve the condition, your veterinarian may want to perform minor surgery on your cat to remove any potential foreign objects or correct a deformity. In order to perform this procedure, your cat will need to be admitted to your veterinarian’s facility and put under anesthesia in order to ensure they remain still and calm throughout the delicate surgery. Prior to surgery, your veterinarian will perform another full blood panel to ensure minimal risk of adverse reaction to any drugs that will be administered.
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Recovery of Vaginal Inflammation in Cats
With proper treatment, and adherence to the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian, prognosis for recovery and the long-term health outlook for your cat are very good. Vaginitis due to bacterial infection will typically resolve within several days of starting medication. You should monitor your cat carefully for any signs of recurring vaginal inflammation episodes, since this may point to a more serious underlying condition.
Vaginal inflammation caused by deformities, trauma or foreign bodies will also resolve shortly after the underlying condition is healed or removed. With proper post-surgical care, even in severe cases, your cat should lead a long and healthy life.
Vaginal Inflammation Average Cost
From 483 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Vaginal Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
sdh
Two Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness and yellow near vagina
Nov. 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello So sorry to hear about your dog. If your dog is not spayed I worry about a pyometra. If she is spayed, this could be a skin infection or vaginitits. It would be best for her to see your vet. They can give her some antibiotics and make sure that she does not have a pyometra.
Nov. 13, 2020
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Domestic cat
Twelve Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Small Amounts Of Wee And Bits Look Sore
She weeing very tiny amounts and I noticed her bits look sore but she won't let me go near her tail
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
It sounds like she may have a urinary tract infection, or another cause of inflammation.It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and help get treatment if it is appropriate.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Unknown
Precious
2 Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Bumps
Red Swollen Vagina And Anus Discharge
My kitty has recently started alicking herself excessively in her vagina and anal area. She us also having some discharge and the area is red and swollen. She is also going to the bathroom quite often. What could be going on with her?
Sept. 15, 2018
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Silver Chinchilla Persian
Clea
6 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Frequent Urination
Excessive Grooming
Tender Genitals
Hello,my persian cat gets lion cuts to help with shedding and keeping her groin area clean. After her shake this week she’s been exhibiting some discomfort by being more ‘needy’ and licking her groin a lot, to the point where her vulva and area around are inflamed and the surrounding area is brownish. She also goes to pee more frequently and pees less amount than average each time. I bought her a cone so she can’t lick anymore but I wonder if you can recommend an antibiotic or what I can use to speed up the healing?
Aug. 2, 2018
7 Recommendations
It certainly sounds like there may be some vaginitis or infection which is leading to irritation and excessive licking, you would be unable to get a suitable antibiotic over the counter and it would be irresponsible for me to recommended anything without examining Clea first. You should visit your Veterinarian to diagnose the issue and to receive treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 3, 2018
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Tabby Cat
Small Cat™️
15 Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Vagina
Grooming
Tender Vagina
My cat had kittens less than a week ago. She bled quite a bit, at least compared to other pregnant females I’ve had. She was still dripping blood 48 hours after birth but it was sporadically. Now she is kind of walking like she is tender, she’s very swollen in her vaginal area and has been licking a lot. She doesn’t let me get the best look at it and it seems she’s uncomfortable when I handle her. Common after birth or do we need a trip to the vet?
July 30, 2018
4 Recommendations
Some vaginal bleeding and discomfort may be considered normal for a few days after queening, but if there is a large quantity of blood or she is showing signs of severe discomfort you should check in with your Veterinarian especially if you’re unable to get a good look at everything. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 31, 2018
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Calico
Mystic
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
Lathargic
Depressed Eat Or Drink
Loss Of Wieght
Loss Of Fat
Loss Body Fat
Loss Of Appetite And Wegth Loss An Ect
Loss Of Appetite And Wegth Loss Ect
I would say my cat is bout 3 1/2 - 4 yrs old and she's slowly loosing weight it looks like and and eating her food but more eats her cat treat more and also keeps constantly licking herself down there and sometimes drinking her water and that I can see and sleeps most of the time and I can't tell if she has any discharge or not cuz she won't let me look and so I can't tell if it's puffy or not either but I smelled like farts come from her all the time God owfal smell and also was rubbing and laying on the floor like she's in heat bit she can't be she's fixed and still rubbing against me and things and loving up on me still and is meowing all the time and her cat litter box her poop and pee look fine in it idk what's wrong can you help and tell me please she had energy but now she acts depressed like laying in her bed or on my bed all the time looking at me like she wants to cry bcan you tell me what's wrong please...ut then comes up wanting loves and pettings still and everything and lays next to me and let's e pets her also to and she was really playful with her toys and now she's not she's like a lump on a log and sleeps all the time and I can't tell if she has a fever or not and her nose is fine and her fur it looks like a mess when it used to look nice and smooth all the time idk what's wrong with my baby girl help please and I don't have the money for a vet right now is there anything I can do from home if possible can you let me know what to do God I would hate to have to put her down she's a wonderful loving cat:( my heart would be broken...please help
Tortoiseshell
Lucky
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vaginal Bleeding, Swelling
Vaginal bleeding n discharge keeps peeing everywhere and crying I took her to the vet costs me 200 for an antibiotic still not cured I dont have the funds to keep taking her to the vet I ordered UTI meds from petco n amazon still not helping n shes getting worse I'm at my witts end but love my kitty she is fixed n chipped so I spent money on her cuz at the time I had it now I dont I dont know what to do
Vaginal Inflammation Average Cost
From 483 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
