Chronic hemorrhagic mucopurulent vaginal discharge in an ovariectomized/hysterectomized dog caused by a foreign body

Abstract

Purulent vaginal discharge in dogs can originate from several causes (e.g. infections, neoplasia, anatomical defects, or foreign bodies). Vaginal foreign bodies are rare but clinically important, often leading to chronic mucopurulent or hemorrhagic discharge. Among the common foreign bodies in small animals, grass awns may induce abscesses, granulomas, or chronic inflammation. After migration, they are usually identified in subcutaneous tissues, ears, or body cavities but rarely in the genital tract. This case report describes a rare instance of chronic hemorrhagic mucopurulent vaginal discharge due to a long-retained grass awn in an ovariectomized/hysterectomized dog. Diagnosis was made based on thorough clinical workup, vaginal cytology, and ultimately confirmed by vaginoscopy; foreign body removal resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs.