TL;DR: Green discharge from a dog's vulva is a veterinary emergency that often indicates a life-threatening uterine infection (Pyometra) or fetal distress. Immediate veterinary intervention is required to prevent sepsis, shock, and death.
What does green discharge from my dog’s vulva mean?
Green discharge from a female dog's vulva is an abnormal clinical sign that usually indicates a significant underlying health issue. In non-pregnant dogs, this purulent (pus-like) discharge is often a primary symptom of Pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus, or severe vaginitis. If your dog is pregnant, green discharge (lochia) before the birth of a puppy can indicate placental separation or fetal distress, requiring immediate intervention.
Is green discharge in a female dog a veterinary emergency?
- Urgency Level: High. This is a critical medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- The condition can rapidly progress to sepsis, shock, and death if the uterus ruptures or infection enters the bloodstream.
- Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately to begin life-saving treatment.
- Watch for additional warning signs, including lethargy, excessive thirst, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
How can taking a photo of the discharge help with veterinary triage?
- A clear, well-lit photo allows the triage team to visually assess the color, consistency, and volume of the fluid.
- The image helps veterinarians determine the level of urgency before you arrive.
- Visual information enables the clinic to prepare diagnostic equipment, such as ultrasound or bloodwork, to expedite care upon your arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
A green vulvar discharge in dogs can be indicative of pyometra, particularly when the cervix is open, and the discharge is purulent, sometimes containing blood. Other signs of pyometra include lethargy, anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, dehydration, and uterine enlargement. Differential diagnoses for vulvar discharge include metritis, vaginitis, cystitis, and subinvolution of placental sites (SIPS), the latter presenting with hemorrhagic discharge postpartum. Diagnostics should include vaginal cytology to determine the nature of the discharge, complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and urinalysis to evaluate overall health and rule out other conditions. In cases of pyometra, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and a left shift is common, although leukopenia may be present in sepsis.
Chapter: Reproductive, Urology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1398)