A recessed vulva, also known as a hooded vulva, is a common condition in female dogs that can often lead to uncomfortable and recurring health issues. If your dog is constantly getting urinary tract infections, or if you notice that her vulva is tucked away or seems smaller than usual, she might be dealing with this condition. This article will discuss what a recessed vulva in dogs is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. So, continue reading to learn more!
What is a recessed vulva in dogs?
A recessed vulva, alternately known as a juvenile, hypoplastic, or hooded vulva, is a structural irregularity seen in female dogs. The recessed vulva in dogs is characterized by the vulva being tucked inward or getting overshadowed by surrounding skin folds, effectively creating a conducive environment for bacterial and yeast growth due to the trapped moisture.
What causes a recessed vulva?
We believe that there is a genetic link to the development of recessed vulvas in dogs as litter mates commonly are affected. Currently, there are no studies suggesting specific breed predilections.
While this condition is commonly seen in young puppies with underdeveloped vulvas, it can also affect overweight or obese dogs and older dogs with reduced skin elasticity.
There are no definitive studies suggesting that the time of spaying contributes to the development of a recessed vulva in dogs.
Why is a recessed vulva concerning?
The nature of a recessed vulva increases a dog's risk for specific health complications. These include vaginitis (vaginal infections) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Bacteria thriving in the skin folds of a hooded vulva can infiltrate the bladder, thereby causing a UTI.
Moreover, the moist environment resulting from this structural anomaly can also promote yeast and bacterial infections around the vulvar region (i.e. perivulvar dermatitis).
What are the symptoms of a recessed vulva in dogs?
Aside from the tucked-in appearance of the vulva, other common symptoms of a recessed vulva in dogs include:
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Recurring skin infections around the vulvar region
- Urinary incontinence
- Excessive licking or scratching of the vulva
- Inflammation and redness around the vulva
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vulva
Interestingly, approximately 65% of affected dogs experience recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence.
Diagnostic procedures
Your veterinarian will diagnose a recessed vulva through a detailed physical examination. The vulva, in affected cases, remains concealed beneath skin folds. Gentle retraction of these folds often becomes necessary for clear observation.
Additional diagnostic tests might include:
Tape impression test or a skin swab: Useful when suspecting skin infections, helping in identifying bacterial or yeast presence.
Urinalysis: Especially important if UTI symptoms are present, this involves taking and analyzing a urine sample.
How do you manage a recessed vulva in dogs?
If your dog is diagnosed with a recessed vulva, there are a couple of options you can do before exploring definitive treatment.
The first is weight management. If you have an adult dog that has been diagnosed with a recessed vulva, there is a high chance she is overweight, or even obese. Therefore, starting an aggressive weight management plan is a good start.
Secondly, it is important to keep the area within the folds clean. Once to twice daily, use non-medicated wipes, such as "baby wipes" to clean the folds between the skin and the vulva. A clean and dry area will keep the bacteria and yeast from over-growing and creating a dermatitis.
What are the definitive treatment options?
If conservative management techniques and other treatments have not been beneficial, surgical treatment may be recommended to improve the anatomy of the vulva.
The surgical procedure commonly known as valvuloplasty, or episioplasty, is highly effective in resolving vaginitis in all affected dogs.
Additionally, perivulvar dermatitis and secondary UTIs are resolved in approximately 75% of cases. It is important to note that urinary incontinence may persist in some dogs; however, many of these cases show improved responses to medical treatments such as estrogen or phenylpropanolamine (PPA) following the valvuloplasty procedure.
FAQs
Can puppies grow out of a recessed vulva?
Yes, in some cases, puppies can grow out of a recessed vulva as they continue to develop and mature. However, for some dogs, the condition may persist into adulthood, especially if they are overweight or obese.
Can a dog live with a recessed vulva?
Some dogs with a recessed vulva do not display any symptoms, nor do they have recurring bladder infections. If this is the case, no treatment is required.
How common is a recessed vulva in dogs?
While there are no definitive statistics, it is estimated that approximately 15% of female dogs may have a recessed vulva. This condition is more commonly seen in overweight or obese dogs and can affect any breed. However, some dogs may have a higher predisposition to developing this condition due to genetics.
A recessed vulva, also referred to as a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is a structural issue that can affect female dogs. In this condition, the vulva is positioned inward or partly concealed by surrounding skin folds. This can lead to certain challenges and may require appropriate attention and care. If your dog is showing symptoms of a recessed vulva, make sure to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis, management, and treatment.