vaginal discharge

Question
My cat is 1.5 years old and ~60 days pregnant. She appears healthy, if not a little sleepy and is eating Nutrients kitten food. Today I noticed a pea-sized amount of vaginal drainage, yellow in colour, which was drying on her perenium. I have not noticed anymore. She also seems to be leaking tiny amounts of watery stool. Soooo my question is could this have been a mucous plug or is this abnormal? The dicharge did not have a foul odour, however the water stool smells exactly as you might image it would. I have had many toms in my day but never a queen, I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks, Angela.

Answer
Hi, Angela.  This is abnormal.  Usually, any type of discharge, unless clear, indicates a vaginal or uterine infection.  A vaginal infection isn't terribly serious, but it does need to be treated with antibiotics.  Some cats can even carry chlamydia, which can cause the kittens serious upper respiratory and eye infections.

A uterine infection is VERY serious.  They threaten the lives of both mother and kittens.  Some uterine infections spread to other organs and cause organ failure.  

One particular type of uterine infection, called pyometra, causes the uterus to fill with pus.  This may be the discharge you're seeing.  This often kills the kittens.  And the uterus may actually burst, killing the mother.  Some cases of pyometra can be cured with antibiotics.  However, many require an emergency spay.  If you are still feeling the kittens move, there's a good chance they could be saved at this point if treated promptly.  They are full term and should make it through a c-section.  If pyometra is present and the vets feel it's beyond antibiotic treatment, an emergency c-section/spay would be the safest for all involved.

Best wishes!

Jessica