Female anatomy question - Page 1

Hello.

Can you pls advise whether the urethra in the female empties first into the vaginal walls?  Or is there a separate exit point as with humans?

My bitch has blood in that region and while it HAS been Dx that she has a bladder infection we are also waiting for her first heat (at 12 mos). 

She did have blood in her urine and I am just wondering whether (say she DID NOT have an infection) whether there WOULD be blood in urine if the bitch were in heat.  I can pat at her vulva and there is blood.  Just trying to figure it all out....

Thanks!

And yes, we did do the progesterone test as well but it showed a low baseline level. 

you would not be able to tell without a culture if the blood is coming from the urinary tract or from heat by simply being able to tell that the blood is exiting her vulva. However, if she is coming into heat her vulva should be somewhat swollen and will become more so.  If she is urinating frequently, squats often and passes only a few drops of urine, that is most likely from the bladder infection.  With a bladder infection the blood would also most likely be pale as it is diluted with urine and wbc.  If she is in heat or coming into heat the blood will most likely be much darker, like fresh blood.

Lisa

The problem is that she isn't having outward signs of an infection.  She pees as often as she usually does.

Her vulva has been a mite swollen but nothing huge, her nipples are larger and we were wondering whether it was a false heat.

I will keep an eye out...

The vet said it could indeed be concurrent.

She has had an odd discharge for almost 2 weeks.  Her fur in that area had some mucous or blood.  It was continuing without any real sign of heat so I took her to the vet.  Her vulva seems more prominant but we haven't seen a HUGE change.  Perhaps I don't know how much of a change there should be. Her behavior hasn't changed a bit and she is not flagging and my neutered male could care less.

There was more blood this morning and the blood continues.  Really, I think she MUST be in heat (this would be her first at 12 mos) but don't understand why my male doesn't care yet.  Wouldn't he tell me ASAP even if she were not ready to mate?

I mean, would a bladder infection cause both fresh (bright) and also brown blood every day?? Without other signs of infection??

Thanks gsdlvr2.  This is my first intact female.  I have done much reading but it seems that first heats can be quite variable.  My vet has been hard to get a hold of re the test results on the urine...I am assuming there was a high WBC .  Must have been otherwise the Dx wouldn't have been made!

I actually found a couple blood splatters on the hardwood floor now.  I am quite convinced she is in heat and the doggie diapers have been put on to save my bedspread.  But I will be diligent and continue to watch for more symptoms of heat.  If there is not, I will certainly contact my vet again as I don't want there to be major health problems that we have glossed over.

Thanks again!