Vaginal Edema in Dogs
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Vaginal Edema in Dogs Ronald M. Bright, DVM, MS, DACVS BASIC INFORMATION mining that it arises from the floor of the vagina confirm the diag- Description nosis. In older females, or when the possibility exists that the mass Vaginal edema is often referred to as a vaginal prolapse, because may be a tumor, a biopsy of the tissue may be recommended. vaginal tissue can often be seen protruding from the vulva. Edema means that the vaginal tissue is swollen, and sometimes TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP increased amounts of vaginal tissue actually form on the floor of the vagina. Treatment Options Causes Medical therapy may be tried and involves the following Vaginal edema is thought to arise from an exaggerated response measures: to the hormone, estrogen, by the lining of the vagina. Clinical • Applying some form of lubricant to the exposed tissue helps signs are usually seen around the time of estrus (when the dog is keep the tissue from drying out. in heat), when estrogen levels are at their highest. Vaginal edema • An Elizabethan collar is applied to the dog to prevent self- occurs only in intact bitches (female dogs that are not spayed). induced trauma to the tissue from excessive licking. Vaginal edema occurs most often in young, large-breed female • The swollen tissue may be manually pushed back into the dogs. Breeds that may be affected more often include the boxer, vagina and some sutures placed across the vulva to stitch it English bulldog, mastiff, German shepherd dog, Saint Bernard, partially closed. This procedure may keep the vaginal tissue in Labrador retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Airedale terrier, and place until the dog goes out of heat. Weimaraner. It is not considered an inherited trait, however, and is • Insertion of a temporary urinary catheter may be necessary to not passed on to the offspring. ensure that the dog can urinate. Rarely, vaginal edema may develop after the animal gives birth • In some cases, hormonal therapy can be tried to shorten the to a litter of pups. time the dog is in heat, but often the problem is discovered too late in estrus for this to be tried. Clinical Signs Surgical therapy is often delayed until most of the swelling sub- The owners often observe a mass of tissue protruding from the sides, in order to avoid excessive bleeding. vulva. The quantity of swollen tissue can vary, from a small amount • Once the dog goes out of heat, the vaginal swelling slowly that is shaped like a tongue or a doughnut to a large amount that decreases. When the swelling is gone, an ovariohysterectomy involves the entire end of the vagina. The dog may lick the vulva (spay) is often recommended. Spaying is considered the treat- excessively, have difficulty urinating, or urinate more frequently. ment of choice in the nonbreeding dog. A bulge may be seen around the vulva or between the vulva and • Rarely, it may be necessary to amputate the exposed vagi- the anus. nal tissue, especially if it has dried out and become unhealthy. Dogs with this condition often have difficulty in mating. Amputation is somewhat risky, because the urethral opening Vaginal edema tends to recur during future heat cycles. must be preserved and can be difficult to find and work around. Diagnostic Tests Follow-up Care and Prognosis A tentative diagnosis can be made based on the fact that the bitch is Removal of the ovaries and uterus results in complete remission in heat and there is a swollen mass protruding from the vagina. of the signs, and recurrences are not a problem. Use of medical A history of one or more previous episodes of the problem also therapy alone runs the risk of recurrence when the dog comes into supports the diagnosis. Palpation (feeling) of the mass and deter- heat again. Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..