HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hammel, S. P. Articles by Bjorling, D. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hammel, S. P. Articles by Bjorling, D. E.

Results of Vulvoplasty for Treatment of Recessed Vulva in Dogs

From the Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive West, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.

Address all correspondence to Dr. Bjorling.

The results of vulvoplasty were evaluated in 34 dogs that underwent surgery at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1987 and 1999. Case records were evaluated, and clients were interviewed by telephone. The most common clinical signs of a juvenile or recessed vulva at initial examination were perivulvar dermatitis in 59% (20/34) of dogs and urinary incontinence and chronic urinary tract infection (UTI), each present in 56% (19/34) of dogs. Other common complaints included pollakiuria, irritation, and vaginitis. Most dogs developed clinical signs before 1 year of age. All dogs except one bichon frise were medium to giant breeds, suggesting that vulvar conformation may be related to growth rate or body conformation; prior ovariohysterectomy did not appear to be an influencing factor. Eighty-two percent of owners rated the outcome of the surgery as at least satisfactory. The incidence of urinary incontinence was reduced by vulvoplasty; however, it remained the most common residual sign after surgery, suggesting a multifactorial etiology. The incidences of UTI, vaginitis, and external irritation were greatly reduced after surgery.