Home  Health & Common Symptoms Licking of Genital Area in Cats
	By: PetPlace Veterinarians

A normal healthy cat keeps him/herself relatively clean. Cats are fastidious and spend a significant amount of time grooming and keeping clean. In addition to cleaning their legs and body, cats will also lick their genital areas in an attempt to remove dirt, discharge or debris. Excessive licking in this area may indicate a medical problem and can be a cause for concern.

• Disorders affecting the prepuce, including neoplasia (cancer), trauma, foreign body or balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis/prepuce)
• Disorders of the urethra, including neoplasia, trauma, or calculi (stones)
• Disorders of the urinary bladder including infection, calculi, inflammation or neoplasia
• Disorders of the prostate, including prostatitis (infection or inflammation of the prostate), neoplasia, hyperplasia (enlargement), cyst or abscess
• Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) including thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) and ingestion of rat poison
• Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or improperly functioning sphincter (tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)

• Urogenital tract infections (urinary tract infection, pyometra/infected uterus)
• Neoplasia (cancer) of the urogenital tract
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) or inflammation anywhere in the urogenital tract
• Coagulation (clotting) disorders (associated with rat poison, low platelets)
• Trauma or foreign body of the urogenital tract
• Urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) secondary to an ectopic (abnormally placed) ureter or problem with the sphincter (the tissue that acts like a door, controlling the release of urine)
• Retained placenta (the organ that unites the fetus with the lining of the uterus) or fetal death

The presence of genital discharge most often suggests an underlying problem, ranging from a mild, relatively benign disorder, to a severe, even life threatening disease.

• Excessive licking
• Spotting
• Discharge
• Swelling of genital area

Diagnosis

It is important to perform a thorough physical examination, including a thorough genital examination. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• A complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis are recommended. Although often within normal limits, there may be evidence of infection or inflammation
• A bacterial urine culture to rule out a urinary tract infection
• Cytology (cells obtained from the discharge) and bacterial culture of the discharge
• A coagulation profile in cases of bloody discharge, and/or if a clotting problem is suspected
• Abdominal radiographs (X-ray) assess for the presence of a pyometra (infected uterus) in an intact (not spayed) female and prostate abnormalities in the male
• Abdominal ultrasound is helpful in a more thorough evaluation of the abdominal structures

Treatment

There are several things your veterinarian might recommend to treat the patient with genital discharge and excessive licking.

• Remove or treat any obvious inciting or underlying cause, such as foreign body, tumor or infection
• Daily flushing and cleansing of the vagina or prepuce can be of benefit in many cases

Home Care

Administer all prescribed medication as directed by your veterinarian and observe your pet closely. If the clinical signs are not improving or getting worse, contact your veterinarian at once.

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