Dog with runny after heat: causes and symptoms

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 21 January 2021
Update Date: 2 December 2024
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4 Stages of Dog Heat Cycle (may be graphic)
Video: 4 Stages of Dog Heat Cycle (may be graphic)

Content

Urogenital system problems can arise in female dogs of any breed and age. However, there are problems that are more common in certain ages, conditions (castrated or whole) and stage of the reproductive cycle. Runny is one of the most common symptoms in female dogs that causes a lot of concern when observed outside the vulva.

When a female dog is whole and is in the heat stage she presents a normal hemorrhagic discharge, however, if you have noticed any kind of discharge in your dog, then continue reading this PeritoAnimal article to learn more about bitch with runny after heat and its main causes.

Runny in bitches

O vaginal discharge in bitches it is any fluid that is expelled through the vagina and, when it appears in abnormal amounts, outside the reproductive cycle or with changes in characteristics, it raises a lot of concern for those who observe it on the vulva or the coat around the region.


The discharge in normal and abnormal bitches is produced in cases of:

  • Hormonal influence;
  • Infection (vaginal, uterine or urinary);
  • Trauma/injury;
  • Strange body;
  • Pastas;
  • Tumors.

Whether in a bitch with a discharge after heat or not, it can have different consistency, color and composition, which can indicate what kind of problem we may be dealing with.

Dog with runny after heat: 7 causes and symptoms

Only a visit to the veterinarian can diagnose the real cause of the dog with runny after heat. Check out some of the most common causes and their symptoms below:

Transparent post-estrus discharge

Bitch with transparent discharge usually means vaginal secretions under normal conditions and generally the pink/reddish discharge from heat loses color until it becomes transparent and disappears, becoming imperceptible to the tutor. However, it can sometimes indicate the presence of foreign bodies or tumors. Be aware of any associated symptoms.


bacterial infections

The urethra ends at the vulva, and as such an infection in the uterus/vagina (vaginitis) can cause a urinary tract infection or vice versa, ie the probability of occurring cross contamination It's very big.

An imbalance of the vaginal or bladder microflora can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria that leads to infection of the vaginal mucosa or bladder. This overgrowth causes the tissues to become inflamed and there is an increase in discharge secretion. In addition to the contamination between the urethra and the vagina, there may be contamination by intestinal bacteria because it is too close to the anal region, which can also cause infection.

Symptoms of Canine Bacterial Infections

Depending on the degree of infection, the discharge may vary in color from white, yellow or various shades of green. A greenish-yellow pasty discharge is called purulent and indicates the presence of bacteria and can become something systemic and the bitch presents:


  • Fever;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Weight loss;
  • Increased water intake (polydipsia);
  • Increased urination (polyuria);
  • Apathy;
  • Vaginal licking.

Urinary Infection

This type of canine infection deserves special attention as it can be diagnosed in any age, race and reproductive condition. In addition to the bitch with runny after heat, there are other symptoms that you should be aware of:

  • Pain and difficulty in urinating (dysuria);
  • Urinate small amounts and more frequently (polakiuria);
  • Bloody urine (haematuria);
  • Licking the region;
  • Blood in urine (haematuria).

Pyometra (uterine infection)

THE pyometra in bitches it is an infection of the uterus that should also be highlighted since it is a worrying condition that can put the bitch's life at risk.

Pyometra in bitches

A more serious situation). It appears mainly in adult female dogs over five years old and not neutered.

Canine Pyometra Symptoms

  • Purulent and/or hemorrhagic discharge;
  • Abdomen very swollen;
  • Much pain on palpation/touch;
  • Fever;
  • Polydipsia (increases your water intake);
  • Polyuria (urine more than normal);
  • Apathy;
  • Aggressiveness due to pain;
  • Weight loss.

Pyometra treatment

The only viable treatment and means of prevention is ovariohysterectomy (castration) which, in addition to preventing future uterine infections, prevents breast cancer in bitches, associated with the administration of antibiotics to treat pyometra and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Uterine stump pyometra

Sometimes, if during ovariohysterectomy there is a failure and not all the ovarian tissue is removed and the bitch shows signs of heat, the so-called remnant ovary syndrome, which can lead to infections of the remaining portion of the uterus (the stump) and we are in front of a castrated bitch with a discharge. Symptoms are similar to those described above.

Strange body

The existence of foreign bodies inside the vagina causes the mucosa to produce discharge in an attempt to expel this foreign body to the outside, which can give the feeling that the bitch has a discharge after heat. By foreign body we can consider plant seeds, dust, earth,

Post childbirth

In the postpartum period the bitch can release mucoid, purulent or hemorrhagic discharges. In normal situations and during childbirth, when the amniotic sac bursts, the fluid is translucent and somewhat fibrinous. When it is expelling each placenta, can be bloody. In the case of fetal death or placental retention, she can develop an infection and have a purulent discharge (yellow-green), and this requires you to take the animal to the vet as her life could be at risk.

After all the puppies are born, the bitch can continue to release discharge to expel the remaining placenta and fluids resulting from the process. If this discharge continues over the next few days, you should inform your veterinarian.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Dog with runny after heat: causes and symptoms, we recommend that you enter our section on Diseases of the reproductive system.