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Why is my spayed dog bleeding from her vulva? Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 8 years and 5 months old

My 9 yr old female (spayed) has bleeding from vulva,is this serious? 2nd time I noticed it in couple of weeks I

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 12th, 2017

Bleeding from the vulva in a spayed dog is not normal. Possible causes include bleeding from the urinary tract (UTI, urinary bladder stones, tumor) or bleeding from the vaginal vault (tumor or infection). Some bleeding/clotting disorders can also be causing the blood you see. I would recommend that Isabella be checked out by a veterinarian. After a thorough physical and vaginal exam, your vet may recommend bloodwork, clotting times, x-rays, or ultrasound.

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    Answered By Isabelle Roese, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    I think it could be serious . I suggest a detailed physical exam including X-rays and cytology (take sample of vaginal discharge under a microscope). I can think of post spay complications and neoplasia. Isabella could also have bloody urine (urinary tract infection, bladder stone, bladder cancer). Your veterinarian will suggest an urinalysis in that case. I do not want to alarm you, just trying to tell you about possibilities. Best of luck with Isabella.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 12th, 2017

    Anatomically speaking, dogs only have 2 holes on their backside: an anus and a vulva/vagina. The openings to the reproductive tract and the urinary tract are inside the vagina. It is possible that the discharge you see is coming from the reproductive tract. As the she heals internally from the surgery, the stitches that are used to close off and remove the uterus at the cervix start to dissolve and can occasionally be associated with a discharge. I would continue to restrain Bella from excess activity while she is healing for the first 7-10 days, and prevent any licking of either stitches or her rear end. If she has other symptoms like increased urination, straining to urinate, lethargy, inappetence, etc. I recommend that Bella be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2018

    The 'bleeding' during heat is actually leaking from the wall of the vagina and is hormonally influenced - as the hormones are present in the bloodstream this would be expected to take 7-10days to settle down but should be similar or less than the bleeding during a normal cycle. Any splashes of fresh/thick blood would warrant a recheck by your vet

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