In this article on our site we are going to review the causes of a brown or coffee-like discharge in a female dog. In the first place, it is important that we distinguish if the secretion that she emits is urine or a vaginal fluid
In any case, it is necessary to go to the vet, because after this flow, there may be an infection that, on occasions, takes on considerable severity. That is why it is essential that this professional be the one who diagnoses, medicates and even operates. Read on to discover the causes and treatments of brown discharge in female dogs.
Why does my dog have a brown discharge - causes
Dark colored vaginal discharge in female dogs can be due to many reasons. In particular, your dog leaking a brown liquid can be due to the following causes:
- An abortion.
- A problem at delivery.
- Uterine infections.
- Postpartum complications.
- Inflammation of the vulva.
- Vaginal tumors.
Also, some urinary tract diseases have brown discharge among their symptoms. You also have to pay close attention to its origin, since sometimes it is not vaginal secretion, but cloudy urineOn the other hand, even if our bitch has been castrated, she could suffer from what is known as uterine stump pyometra We develop these pathologies and their treatments in the following sections.
My dog is pregnant and has a brown discharge
If our bitch has a brown discharge and we know that she is pregnant with a litter, we should immediately contact the vet, as she could be miscarryingThis can be due to different causes, such as a problem in the bitch or abnormalities in the puppies. The death of the puppies during the last three weeks of gestation is considered an abortion. Before, it is called fetal resorption. In both cases brown discharge may be detectable in the bitch.
Go to the vet to check the condition of the dog's uterus. It may be necessary administer antibiotics If this is not the first time this has happened, the dog should be checked out completely and not allowed to breed without proof of that she is he althy.
To be sure that your dog is having an abortion, you can consult this other article on our site about Symptoms of abortion in a female dog.
My dog is in labor and has a brown discharge
If the dog is already in labor and we notice that she emits a brownish discharge, it is reason for urgent veterinary consultation, as it may indicate serious problems in this very delicate process. In more severe cases, the vet will need to do a c-section
If our bitch has a dark discharge and has already given birth, we may be facing a serious disorder that is triggered by poor hygiene, retained placenta, etc. It's acute metritis, a uterine infection that causes symptoms like:
- Fever.
- Apathy.
- Anorexy.
- Pup abandonment.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Flow with purulent appearance.
- Bad smell.
Requires veterinary treatment based on antibiotics and intravenous fluids, as well as hormones to empty the uterus. In severe cases, it must be removed. It is quite possible that we will have to take care of the litter.
Another reason for dark discharge in bitches that have given birth is subinvolution of placentation sites Occurs when the uterus cannot return to their pre-pregnancy size. It is more likely to happen in younger dogs. After giving birth, it is normal for a bitch to stain for up to six weeks. They are the well-known lochia. But, if after that time the flow does not stop, we may be facing this subinvolution. It is a process that usually remits spontaneously, but it can also be complicated, although it is less frequent. In these cases, it is a good idea to neuter the bitch.
My spayed dog has a brown discharge
Perhaps the most common cause of a brown discharge in a bitch is pyometra or uterine infection It is a disease associated with females whole, that is, those that have not had their ovaries and uterus removed. But it can also be detected in operated bitches, although it is much less likely. In these cases, after the operation, there would be ovarian fragments that maintain hormonal activity, which could trigger infection of the stump.
We explain more about this topic in this other article on Can a spayed dog have pyometra?
Symptoms of pyometra in bitches
Pyometra in bitches causes symptoms as nonspecific as:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Anorexy.
- Increase in water intake.
- Increased urine output.
- Depression.
Types of pyometra in bitches
There are two types of pyometra:
- Open pyometra:In the open, it is where we can see the brown discharge.
- Closed pyometra:In closed pyometra, brown discharge does not occur because the uterus remains closed. It is a more serious presentation, since the uterus accumulates pus, becomes inflamed and could rupture. In this situation castration is usually chosen.
If you are not sure whether or not to neuter your dog, it may help you to read this other article on Advantages of neutering a dog.
Brown discharge in my dog: vaginitis
That our dog has a brown discharge may be due to a vaginal problem called canine vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina. It can be due to an anatomical defect or to viral or bacterial infections. A secretion is produced that can go unnoticed because the usual thing is that the dog constantly licks, as we see in this other article on our site about Why does my dog does she lick her vulva a lot? We can see the hair in the stained area or that the dog feels pain during handling.
Another fact that can make us suspect vaginitis is that dogs are attracted to it as if it were in heat In addition, there is a Juvenile vaginitis in bitches less than one year of age. Usually there are no symptoms, but sometimes a purulent discharge is seen.
You have to go to the vet to treat vaginitis in female dogs early and prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics are prescribed and the area is disinfected, although treatment may vary depending on the cause.
My dog has brown discharge: vaginal tumors
Another cause of brown discharge in a female dog is tumors growing in the vagina or vulva. They can be benign or malignant, although the latter are rare. They are more likely to occur in elderly bitches, over ten years old.
They cause discharge or hemorrhage and are sometimes seen as a protrusion of a mass coming out of the vulva. The bitch licks herself intensely and urinates more frequently. Large tumors can deform the perineal area The treatment of choice is usually surgery. However, tumors can come back.
My dog pees blood
Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. We mention it because it may seem to us that our dog has brown discharge when, in fact, it is urine. This can happen in cases of canine cystitis, which is a bacterial infection of the bladder.
Symptoms of cystitis in dogs
Cystitis in bitches has various forms:
- Increased frequency of urination (although less is eliminated).
- Discomfort when urinating.
- Insistent licking of the area.
- Vaginal discharge.
It is essential Go to the vet and treat the infection as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to the kidneys or from forming stones that complicate the condition. The infection is confirmed by performing a urinalysis and treated with antibiotics. For more information, you can consult this other article on Cystitis in dogs - Causes, symptoms and treatment.
