Why do dogs vaginas look weird?

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.

Table of Contents Show

Symptoms and Identification
Affected Breeds
Veterinary Cost
What Is a Juvenile Vulva?
Recognizing a Juvenile Vulva
Why Does a Juvenile Vulva Cause Problems?
What Can Be Done?
And Finally…

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 it happens:

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.

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.

Symptoms and Identification

Obvious evidence of a hypoplastic vulva would include a vulva that is not immediately visible upon direct observation of the dog’s backside. When examined more closely, accumulated debris within the adjacent skin folds

Symptoms include excessive licking of the vulvar area, scooting, malodor, hematuria and sometimes even urinary incontinence (which may be related to and not the result of the recessed vulva).

Affected Breeds

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.

Treatment

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) the standard approach. 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.

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.

Veterinary Cost

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.

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.

References

Hammel AP, Bjorling DE. “Results of Vulvoplasty for Treatment of Recessed Vulva in Dogs.” JAAHA 2002, Vol. 38, N.1, p. 79-83.

Lightner BA et al. “Episioplasty for the treatment of perivulvar dermatitis or recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with excessive perivulvar skin folds: 31 cases (1983-2000).” JAVMA 2001, Vol. 219, N. 11, p. 1577-1581.

Seguin MA, Vaden SL, Altier C, et al. Persistent urinary tract infections and reinfections in 100 dogs (1989–1999). J Vet InternMed. 2003;17:622–631

Imagine suddenly discovering a large mass of tissue protruding from your dog’s vulva. It may look like a tumor or an impending prolapse and can be very unsightly and unpleasant to see. I have had a number of dog guardians rush their dog in believing that somehow the dog was having a miscarriage. In reality though what they are likely seeing is called vaginal hyperplasia.

In vaginal hyperplasia, a proliferation of the vaginal mucosa, usually originating from the floor of the vagina near the front of the urethral opening, occurs during or just prior to the dog being “in heat;” it's a result of estrogenic stimulation. The most common sign of this condition is a mass protruding from the vulva. Initially, the surface is smooth and glistening, but with prolonged exposure it becomes dry and fissures develop. A slight vaginal discharge may be present. Vaginal hyperplasia interferes with copulation and reluctance to breed may be the only symptom. Occasionally, the prolapse continues throughout pregnancy or recurs at the delivery of puppies1.

Some affected dogs will exhibit straining or painful urination but it is rare that the dog will be void of any symptoms.

How common is vaginal hyperplasia?
Some breeds are more prone to vaginal hyperplasia including Boxers, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Weimeraners, Labrador Retrievers and English Bulldogs among others2.

Symptoms of vaginal hyperplasia
The most common sign is the protrusion of pink, inflamed tissue from the vulva of the affected dog. The inflammation may result in pain and subsequent excessive licking of the area.

Treatment of vaginal hyperplasia
Unless the condition is extreme, it will generally resolve on its own as the dog's cycle progresses. Treatment generally requires only gentle cleaning and application of an ointment to sooth and protect the tissue. It is important to prevent further trauma and licking so an Elizabethan collar or diaper may be needed in severe cases.

Surgery can be applied but should be avoided if at all possible.

Prognosis for vaginal hyperplasia
In most cases the prognosis is good, although the condition may reoccur with future cycles.

Prevention of vaginal hyperplasia
Since the condition is associated with the estrus or heat cycle the only means of prevention is elimination of the cycle by spaying.

Questions to ask your veterinarian

My dog is in heat and has a large mass of tissue protruding from her vulva. What could it be?
Can she still urinate?
Can it be prevented?

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Resources:

Juvenile vulvas are found frequently among female dogs who are spayed at a young age. By: Jim Champion

Does your female dog suffer frequent bladder infections? Or regularly drags her rear along the ground? Or has a bad smell from her nether regions?

These are just some of the symptoms linked to a frequently overlooked condition that leads to problems such as:

These 5 symptoms all have 1 thing in common: They can be caused by a “juvenile vulva.” Other names for this include a recessed, hooded or hypoplastic vulva.

What Is a Juvenile Vulva?

This is a common condition affecting the anatomy of the vulva. It means that the vulva is cloaked or hooded by the skin folds. It is most frequently a problem when dogs are spayed at a young age, are overweight or belong to a large or giant breed.

Thus, those dogs most at risk are medium-to-giant breeds of dog that are overweight and were spayed at a young age. On the other hand, the condition is extremely rare in females who still have their womb.

Recognizing a Juvenile Vulva

Simply look at your dog’s nether regions between her back legs and see if her vulva is visible or not. A juvenile vulva is often “invisible” because it’s hidden behind skin folds covered in fur.

If your dog is affected, there’s no need to panic, but it’s a good idea to be vigilant for signs of trouble.

I’ll let you into a little secret here: When a female dog presents with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), many vets overlook checking for a juvenile vulva. This is a shame because it’s a predisposing cause and correcting the anatomy can improve things tremendously.

Infections and itchiness are 2 things often linked to a juvenile vulva. By: Maja Dumat

Why Does a Juvenile Vulva Cause Problems?

It’s a bit of a bizarre analogy, but it helps to think of the vulva (anatomically speaking) like an ear.

Infections and Itchiness

Dogs such as spaniels that have hairy drop ears are at greater risk of ear infections. This is because that heavy ear flap creates a warm, airless and humid environment where bacteria and yeasts can have a party.

With a hooded vulva, a similar sort of environment is created. The folds of skin trap bacteria, yeasts, skin debris and secretions, and generally make it a great place for bugs to breed.

This leads to infections, signs of which include:

Itchiness: The dog licks her nether regions obsessively or drags her bottom.
Skin fold dermatitis: The dip between folds is especially prone to infection, leading to redness, soreness, ulceration and a bad smell. Sometimes a discharge is present that ranges from purulent to dark brown.
Cystitis: Bacteria work their way upstream and enter the bladder to cause repeated episodes of cystitis.

Incontinence

In addition, the folds of skin can trap urine, causing it to pool and then be released when the dog moves or sits. This gives the impression of urinary incontinence, although the dog does have bladder control, so it’s not a true incontinence.

What Can Be Done?

Recognizing the problem is a big step toward sorting things out.

Hygiene: For the majority of female dogs, improving their hygiene helps matters to no end. This involves getting up close and personal to wipe out the folds on a daily basis. A weak chlorhexidine solution on cotton wool helps get rid of bugs before they breed out of control. Dry the area well afterward, and in some cases applying Sudocrem can act as a useful barrier to stop the skin from chapping.
Antibiotics: Check her nether regions daily. In some circumstances, antibiotic cream or tablets will be necessary, but spotting the problem early makes it easier to treat.
Weight control: Carrying too much weight leads to extra rolls of fat everywhere, including her nether regions. Keeping a female dog slim will pay dividends when it comes to managing several problems, including a juvenile vulva.
Surgical correction: Unfortunately, sometimes there’s nothing but surgical correction that will remove the problem. This is a procedure known as vulvoplasty. This is the rear end equivalent of a face lift, whereby folds of extra skin are removed so they no longer hide the vulva.

And Finally…

Cystitis, itchiness, skin infections, cystitis and dribbling urine are 5 good reasons to check your female dog’s rear end. Recognizing the problem empowers you to control the complications and save her discomfort, so don’t be bashful — check her nether regions today!

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed May 5, 2017.