What does a dogs vag look like

A recessed vulva, which may also be referred to as a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is a conformational (structural formation) issue that occurs in female dogs. In this condition, the vulva is recessed within, or partially hidden by, surrounding folds of skin.

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What is the significance of a recessed vulva?
What are the clinical signs of a recessed vulva?
How is a recessed vulva diagnosed?
How is a recessed vulva treated?
What is the prognosis for a recessed vulva?

A recessed vulva is thought to have a genetic basis, though this has not been definitively determined. The condition is more common in medium to large breed dogs, especially individuals who are overweight.

What is the significance of a recessed vulva?

Some dogs may have a recessed vulva for their entire life without ever experiencing any visible effects. The diagnosis may be a purely incidental finding on a routine physical exam.

In other dogs, however, a recessed vulva can predispose them to vaginitis and/or urinary tract infections. The skin folds around the vulva can trap moisture when the dog urinates. This moisture, combined with warmth from the dog’s body heat, can make it very easy for bacteria to grow in this area. These bacteria can affect the skin folds around the vulva (perivulvar dermatitis), migrate into the vagina (leading to vaginitis), or migrate up the urinary tract (leading to a urinary tract or bladder infection).

What are the clinical signs of a recessed vulva?

The clinical signs of a recessed vulva vary, depending on the individual dog. Some dogs with a recessed vulva show no clinical signs. Other patients may be affected more severely.

"The clinical signs of a recessed vulva vary, depending on the individual dog."

In many affected dogs, clinical signs are related to inflammation and infection within the skin folds that surround the vulva. Affected dogs might be seen scooting (dragging their vulva across the floor, in an attempt to relieve itching) or licking at their vulva excessively. In some cases, owners notice a foul odor coming from the area of their dog’s vulva; this odor is associated with infection. Affected dogs may also become incontinent, leaking small or large amounts of urine when they sleep.

In other cases, a recessed vulva leads to urinary tract infections. Signs of a urinary tract infection may include urinary accidents in a previously-housetrained dog, straining to urinate, visible blood in the urine, or a foul odor to the urine. This may occur in addition to the signs of skin fold inflammation described above, or the signs of urinary tract infection may be the only clinical signs.

How is a recessed vulva diagnosed?

A recessed vulva can be diagnosed by your veterinarian on a physical examination. In a dog with a recessed vulva, the vulva cannot be seen because it is covered by overlaying skin folds. Closer examination may reveal accumulated moisture and debris within the skin folds surrounding the vulva.

"A recessed vulva can be diagnosed by your veterinarian on a physical examination."

Your veterinarian will likely perform additional diagnostic tests to determine what effects, if any, the recessed vulva is having on your dog’s health. These tests may include blood tests (a complete blood cell count and serum biochemistry profile), a urinalysis (to assess the composition of the urine), a urine culture (to identify bacteria present in the urine), and/or imaging of the bladder including radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound, to assess for bladder stones and other bladder abnormalities.

How is a recessed vulva treated?

Many dogs with a recessed vulva develop bacterial infections that require treatment. The antibiotics used for treatment vary based upon the type and severity of infection. In the case of a mild skin infection, topical antibiotics may be effective. In the case of vaginitis, bladder infections, or more severe skin infections, oral antibiotics are often required.

"Many dogs with a recessed vulva develop bacterial infections that require treatment."

Once the infection has been treated, it is important to consider options to address the underlying conformational defect. This is especially the case when a dog experiences recurrent infections, or infections that do not seem to resolve with appropriate antibiotic therapy. If the underlying conformational defect is not addressed in some way, the infections will continue to recur on a frequent basis.

There are two primary treatment options for a recessed vulva:

Medical management. In dogs that are only mildly affected, topical treatments with medicated shampoos or wipes may be sufficient to keep signs at bay and prevent secondary infections. Weight loss can also be beneficial, especially in overweight dogs, by decreasing the size of the fat/skin folds that surround the vulva.
Surgical treatment. In dogs that are more severely affected, or who do not respond to medical treatment, a vulvoplasty or episioplasty may be considered. This procedure corrects the conformational defect and restores normal conformation of the vulva. See handout “Vulvoplasty (Episoplasty)” for further information on this procedure.

What is the prognosis for a recessed vulva?

The prognosis for this condition depends on its severity and which treatment option is attempted. In general, dogs who receive a vulvoplasty experience significant improvement in their clinical signs. In dogs treated with medical treatment only, the prognosis depends on the severity of the condition.

If your dog is a female and she is going into the "heat" phase, you must take extra care of her needs. Her behavior may change and she may become a bit moody or snappy as her body is flooded with hormones. Be aware that male dogs will be attracted to her now, so it will be better to keep her at home. During this stage, she can and will get pregnant, so you must be extra protective if you don’t want a litter of puppies arriving in your home. If you are wanting to breed her, now is the time to consider it.

If the swelling is an allergic reaction, it can be hard to find the cause. It is advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian so they can help to soothe the itching or inflammation with medication. Usually, with medication the swelling will go down quickly and your dog will be fine.

During labor preparation for your pregnant dog, you will notice changes to the vulvar area. This is quite normal, but if your dog becomes uneasy, is in pain, or is struggling with the birth then get immediate veterinary assistance to help her through it without injury.

Forcing dogs apart due to poor planning when your dog is in heat is never a good idea. If you don’t want your dog to get pregnant then keep her away from male dogs and safe at home. Forcing dogs apart during the mating process can cause the female a lot of pain and injury. As the male inserts his penis, the bulbous head expands, literally ‘holding’ him to the female. Wrenching them apart can cause ripping and tearing of the vaginal area, internal injury, and blood loss. The male dog must ejaculate and only then does the bulbous head return to normal to allow him to withdraw easily.

Bacterial and yeast infections can become a major concern if they are not treated immediately. A quick trip to the veterinarian will save you a lot of concern and for your dog, a lot of irritation. A course of medication will be prescribed, and possibly medicated creams. The infections are easier to treat during the initial stages; don’t wait to see if it gets better, it will only get worse.

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