Expert: Jessica - 2/6/2010

Question
My cat is not pregnant but shenis 6 years old and not fixed but every time she goes into heat, before that she has a yellowish discharge that comes out of her vagina.  Waht can this be caused fromand how do I fix it? Please help......

Answer
Hi Becci.  Your kitty should definitely see a vet.  Vaginal discharge can be caused by vaginal or uterine infections.  Unspayed cats, especially middle-aged to older cats, are at high risk for a deadly uterine infection called pyometra.  In this condition, the uterus fills with pus.  There are two forms of pyometra - open and closed.  With an open pyometra, the uterus is still open, and the infection is allowed to drain out through the vagina, so you will notice a pus-like discharge.  The infection can become a closed pyometra at any time, during which the uterus seals up and the infection cannot drain out.  Both forms of pyometra are life-threatening, but closed pyometra is deadly very quickly and poses the risk for the uterus to rupture.  The worst part about closed pyometra is that there are often no symptoms.

Your vet will do an exam to determine whether your kitty's uterus feels swollen or painful to the touch.  Cats with pyometra often have an enlarged uterus and will tense up in pain when the uterus is palpated.  This must be done very carefully to avoid rupture in case of a closed pyometra.  If any pyometra (or another type of uterine infection) is suspected, an emergency spay will be recommended.  Some vets will offer the option of trying to treat pyometra with an antibiotic rather than a spay.  I opted for this treatment once, and my cat lost her life.  Although a little more costly, an emergency spay is definitely the way to go!  If it seems that she may have only a vaginal infection, antibiotics may be prescribed, and a regular spay can be scheduled as soon as possible.  

Best of luck!

Jessica