Hypoplastic (Recessed) Vulva in Dogs
Overview of Canine Recessed Vulva
Hypoplastic vulva (aka “recessed” or “juvenile” vulva) is common condition of canine conformation in which the vulva is at least partially engulfed by the skin folds that surround it. Spayed female dogs are predisposed. There is also some evidence to suggest that the earlier dogs are spayed, the more likely they are to suffer this condition.
The fact of a recessed vulva, in and of itself, would not be a serious issue. However, local skin infections are extremely common among these patients. Vaginitis, urinary tract infections, and even urinary incontinence are also commonly reported in these cases.
Here’s how the recessed vulva leads to secondary skin infections:
- The extra skin folds in these patients act like a dam, thereby collecting urine. Moisture, heat, the absence of light and the accumulation of skin debris in such close quarters all serve to fashion an ideal environment within the skin folds for bacteria to thrive. Infection of the vagina and urinary tract occur when these bacteria travel upwards and into these regions.
- Further, the rubbing of these excessive skin folds during the course of daily life causes small amounts of localized trauma. This yields additional itchiness, which leads to self-trauma (licking and scooting) and, therefore, more trauma and infection.
While all breeds of dogs are theoretically susceptible, medium to giant breeds dogs have been shown to be more at risk. Those among these who are predisposed to obesity would seem to be especially predisposed. So, too, are dog breeds with a predilection for allergic skin disease and other inflammatory skin diseases, as these dogs are especially at risk of suffering severe skin infections.
Young to middle-aged, medium to giant breed dogs are predisposed. The increased fleshiness inherent to fatter dogs means that overweight and obese dogs are further predisposed.
What to Look For:
Obvious evidence of a hypoplastic vulva would include a vulva that is not immediately visible upon direct observation of the dog’s backside.
- Accumulated debris within the vulvar skin folds
- Excessive licking of the vulvar area
- Scooting
- Foul odor
- Bloody urine
- Urinary incontinence (which may be related to and not the result of the recessed vulva).
- Frequent urinations (secondary urinary tract infection)
Diagnosis of Recessed Vulva in Dogs
Diagnosis of a hypoplastic vulva is based on the history and physical examination. An examination will reveal a vulva that is recessed (tucked in) and at least partially engulfed by the skin folds that surround it. It is often associated with accumulated debris, redness, swelling, a foul odor, and a secondary skin infection.
Treatment of Recessed Vulva in Dogs
Treating the skin infection along with any resulting urinary tract or vaginal infections is of immediate concern, of course. Oral antibiotics and topical treatments (frequent use of shampoos and wipes) is the standard approach for mild disease. Unfortunately, however, this treatment plan is unlikely to produce permanent results in the face of the continual challenge posed by these dogs’ abnormally shaped vulva in severely affected dogs.
Episioplasty (aka “vulvoplasty”) is a surgical procedure designed to correct the defect. This relatively simple procedure, in which skin from between the anus and vulva is resected, is considered the treatment of choice for dogs with these excessive perivulvar skin folds. The previously recessed vulva is thereby exposed.
If the dog is considered only mildly affected, however, an assiduous maintenance regimen consisting of routine wiping with medicated wipes and cleansing with medicated shampoos may be considered an acceptable approach to treatment as long as infections are effectively kept at bay.
Prevention
Judicious breeding programs that select for bitches with more advantageous vulva conformation are the obvious means of prevention. However, it’s equally clear that if female dogs maintain a normal weight they’ll be less likely to suffer the more severe manifestations of this conformational disease.
Veterinary Costs Associated with a Hypoplastic Vulva
The cost of this condition depends, primarily, on the severity of the condition. If chronic infections ensue and frequent courses of antibiotics are required, ongoing expenses to the tune of hundreds of dollars a month may be required.
Alternatively, a one-time epesioplasty undertaken by a board-certified surgeon often proves 100% effective in curing the condition.
Unfortunately, too many pet owners are stung by its price tag ($1,500 to $3,000) and delay in electing this procedure. Many end up spending significantly more than this sum in lifetime treatments, all the while incurring what some veterinarians term “reduced quality of life” costs.
Pet insurance can cover conditions including such as a Hypoplastic Vulva in Dogs.