What is puppy vaginitis?

Many female puppies may have a vaginal discharge before their first heat. The discharge is a sticky, cloudy or yellow material. There is no odor and the puppy is usually not bothered by it. The discharge consists of mucus, bacteria, and white blood cells.

Can there be other causes for a discharge in a puppy?

Yes, several other more serious conditions can also cause a vaginal discharge. For example anatomic abnormalities in the vagina like a stricture, double vagina, or infantile vulva need to be ruled out. A bladder infection or foreign body may also cause a discharge.

How do I know if it is serious or not?

The only way to be sure is to have the puppy examined by your veterinarian. After taking a history and examining the puppy your veterinarian can determine how serious the discharge is. The material can be colleted and examined under a microscope to help identify the cause. The veterinarian may recommend culturing the discharge to see what kind of bacteria are involved and what antibiotic should be used. If the veterinarian suspects the discharge is due to an anatomic problem X-Rays or examination using an instrument called a vaginoscope or endoscope might be needed.

What if the problem does not appear to be that serious?

After an examination your veterinarian can advise you as to what is best for your puppy. Many cases are best left untreated. Sometimes douching the puppy is adequate treatment. The discharge often turns out to be nothing more than mucus. Puppy vaginitis can be a frustrating chronic condition. Most of these cases will resolve themselves when the puppy goes through puberty.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my puppy from developing this?

No, it can’t be prevented. Some veterinarians recommend waiting until after the puppy has had it’s first heat cycle before spaying if there has been a history of puppy vaginitis. The theory is that change in vulva size and position and maturation of vaginal mucosal defense mechanisms are involved. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is best for your pet.

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source : animalhelp.com