Vaginitis in Dogs

Vaginitis

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Vaginitis in dogs is inflammation of the vagina which can be caused by a variety of problems. The diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis varies from case to case depending upon the underlying cause.
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to moderate

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within days to weeks or may be a chronic condition that requires surgery
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
  • Prevention Icon
    Keep the vulvar area as clean as possible
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not possible to other animals or humans
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical examination and lab tests

VERY COMMON IN
Female dogs, both spayed and intact, of any age or breed can develop vaginitis.

Symptoms & Signs

The most common symptoms of vaginitis in dogs include bloody, mucoid, or purulent discharge from the vulva, licking of the vulvar area, increased frequency of urination, and scooting or rubbing the vaginal area along the ground. The vulva may appear swollen and inflamed.

Diagnosis

Vaginitis is usually diagnosed by medical history, clinical signs, and physical examination by a veterinarian. Diagnostic tests may be necessary and include complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, urinalysis, cytology of the vagina, culture and sensitivity tests, ultrasound, and vaginoscopy.

Causation

Vaginitis refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can be brought on or caused by problems occurring within the vagina, or be secondary to conditions elsewhere in the body. It may be the result of trauma, however, this is rarely the cause. In dogs, most cases of vaginitis are caused by the caustic and irritating effects of urine on the vaginal mucosa or lining. Since urine passes through the vagina with every urination and vaginitis is only seen in a very small percentage of female dogs, cases of this disorder typically mean the urine is abnormal or its flow is in some way altered. In cases of bladder infections (cystitis), the urine contains large numbers of bacteria. Expelled with the urine, these can easily colonize the vagina, leading to infection. In mature female dogs, especially in those that have been spayed, urinary incontinence can be a common problem. Incontinent dogs chronically leak small quantities of urine from the bladder. The urine may lie against the vaginal lining instead of coming out and cause a 'urine scald' or irritation. Infections from bacteria, yeasts, and viruses are known to occur within the vagina. The bacteria isolated from this structure are those commonly found or passed in the dog's stool. It is thought that when the animal cleans itself after urination and defecation, the licking may transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina. As in other species, yeast infections of the vagina sometimes occur in animals that are on prolonged antibiotic therapy. It appears that these medications suppress the normal bacteria living in this structure, which help to prevent the growth of yeast organisms. The herpes virus known to infect dogs commonly infects the vaginal area. As in other animals, this is a chronic infection with occasional flare-ups of clinical signs. Non-infectious inflammations of the vagina can occur due to the effects of shampoos, detergents, cleaning agents, and other solutions. The severity of this type of inflammation is dependent on the causative agent. Other non-infectious causes can include foreign bodies within the vagina, congenital abnormalities or ectopic ureter, and vaginal tumors. In dogs with vulvar fold abnormalities, vaginitis may occur secondary to irritations resulting from this condition. Young female dogs less than one year of age may develop 'juvenile vaginitis.' The cause of this condition is unknown, but it generally resolves with age and without treatment.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
Depending on the cause of vaginitis, treatment may include medications administered at home. Often, antiseptic wipes or vaginal douches may be prescribed to treat inflammation and cleanse the area after urination.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
None
icon MEDICATIONS
Medications may include oral or topical antibiotics, oral or topical corticosteroids, NSAIDS, or medications for incontinence.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
Dogs that have vulvar fold abnormalities or an ectopic ureter may require surgery to reduce pooling of urine within the vaginal vault.
icon SPECIALISTS
Most general practice veterinarians will diagnose and treat cases of vaginitis. However, in difficult cases or those requiring surgery or advanced treatment, consultation with veterinary specialists may be required.

Cost Of Treatment

Cost will be dependent on severity of diagnosis.

Recovery

Dogs treated with medical therapy typically recover within a week of starting therapy. If surgery is performed, expected recovery is 2 weeks after surgery. Exercise should be restricted until sutures are removed.

Monitoring

Dogs experiencing vaginitis should be monitored at home for response to treatment and signs of recurrence. Vaginitis can develop into a chronic condition, especially in dogs with a vulvar fold abnormalities and untreated urinary incontinence.

Prevention

Cleaning the vulvar area, especially between any skin folds, frequently with a medicated cleansing wipe may help to decrease the occurrence of vaginitis.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.