
Ask A Question - Help - Register - Login

I have a four year lab/bassett hound cross. Ever since she ...

Sent to Pet Experts March 15, 2006 5:50 p.m.

I have a four year lab/bassett hound cross. Ever since she was spayed, she's had a foul smelling discharge (clear-brown) She will cont. lick her genital area when this infection occurs. I've had her to the vet approx. 4-5 times for this issue. They put her on an antibiotic, which kicks the infection everytime; however, it seems to reoccur about 4 months later. It's become a vicious cycle. Could we be masking something more serious, i.e. cancer. The issue has been ongoing for about two years.
What else could it be? Besides the obvious, she is a very active and healthy dog.

Optional Information:
Age: 4; Female; Breed: bassett hound/lab cross

Already Tried:
Antibiotics

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
March 15, 2006 6:10 p.m. (19 minutes and 43 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

This might be an infection called a stump pyometra where the remains of the uterus is getting infections. Particularly since it seems like she might be having the infection in a cyclic manner it could be a bit of ovary was left in there too. Might be worth ultrasounding if she gets another infection to see if there is a stump area that is inflamed.
It could be a vaginitis and you might find swapping foods to one with fewer or no grains and higher quality fats and protein sources could help with that.
Innova Evo is a grain free food. California Natural Lamb only has rice which most dogs tolerate well.
Sometimes the high grain foods encourage yeast growth as the starches break down into sugars.
Hope this helps you!

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!

NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent March 15, 2006 8:04 p.m. (1 hour and 54 minutes later)

Could it possibly be signs of cancer or something else major..keeping in mind it has been cyclical for a couple of years. If so, wouldn't she be showing other signs?

Thanks

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on March 15 2006 at 8:05pm

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 15, 2006 11:14 p.m. (3 hours and 9 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

I think you would be seeing other problems if it was cancer.
A stump pyometra is not common but it does happen.
She could just have a weak immune system causing her to get repeat infections say if she goes swimming or is in contact with the bacteria in her usual potty areas. Female dogs urinate so close to the ground its easy for them to pick up bacteria.
If you have not talked to another vet for a second opinion on this problem you might want to do that. Perhaps a specialist in small animal internal medicine could help you
http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
Or you might want to have the infection cultured to see if some other medication than what you have been using will totally clear the system of the problem.

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!

NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6991 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers:

	DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Pet Health > Vet Questions