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My senior unspayed female dog has clear vaginal discharge. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 17 years and 5 months old | 10 lbs

I have a female poodle/terrier mix dog!! She is not fixed and she is 17.5 years old. She is leaking clear liquid from her vagina!! Not a lot just drops here and there!! She is not in pain, eats, pees and poops no problem!! Is this serious?? Thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2017

Hello sorry to hear about Molly. I would be concerned with fluid in her uterus. This fluid could be infectious or non-infectious. That is this could be a pyometra or infection of her uterus.

The best way to diagnose an infected uterus would be to sample some of the fluid in her uterus as well as obtain bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound.

Ideally, you should have this evaluated by your veterinarian immediately as a pyometra can be quite detrimental to health. Hope this helps and best wishes.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 10th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bayley. Did she have urine testing to look for signs of a bladder infection? This can be another cause of that type of discharge. X-rays would be helpful as well to look for an enlarged uterus such as in the case of a pyometra or to look for bladder stones. Bladder stones can lead to an infection and subsequent discharge. I agree that she will likely need a medication to treat her symptoms, but it is important to determine why she is having the discharge. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on May 26th, 2019
From the photo, I can’t really appreciate any discharge. I recommend to have Molly examined by her veterinarian today. Older, female dogs who are not spayed who suddenly become sick could have a potentially fatal condition called a pyometra which is an infection in the uterus. Of course there are many things that can make pets sick just like humans. I recommend to play it safe and have her examined. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My unspayed female dog has milky white discharge. What's wrong?

Some discharge is normal but it is generally clearish or slightly opaque. Vaginal discharge can indicate an infection in the uterus. I recommend to have her examined today in case this discharge is related to a uterine infection. Uterine infections can lead to a life threatening septicemia so it's best to play it safe. Best of luck.

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Why is my female dog's private area protruding, bleeding, and leaking?

If Molly is not spayed, I would have her examined by a vet ASAP. It is possible there are issues such as a urinary infection, pyometra (infection of the uterus), prolapse (if things are protruding) or even additional issues such as parasites trying to bury in the skin. Since there is also blood present, it'd be best to have her checked out. Other signs to look out for include lethargy, fever, changes in eating or drinking, additional discharge, increased urination, and cloudy/bloody urine.

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