Vaginal Infections in Dogs

Vaginal infections, also known as canine vaginitis, are common in dogs. A vaginal infection is an inflammation of the vagina or the vestibule. Female dogs of all ages and breeds are prone to this infection whether they are spayed or not. There are 2 types of canine vaginitis that occur, namely juvenile vaginitis and adult onset vaginitis.

In order to successfully treat the condition and prevent any recurrence, it’s essential to follow the advice of the vet and also understand the difference between the 2 types of infections.

Symptoms of Canine Vaginitis

Vaginitis in canines will have symptoms that may include:

  • Discharge from the vulva such as mucus, pus or blood (the discharge may attract males)
  • Increase in the frequency of urination
  • Difficulty in passing urine
  • Increased grooming of the vaginal area
  • Rubbing of the vaginal area
  • Reddened vaginal area
  • Itching in the vaginal area
  • Crusty hair coat around the vaginal area due to the discharge
  • Development of perivulvar dermatitis as a result of the excessive grooming 

Juvenile Canine Vaginitis

Juvenile canine vaginitis is common in female dogs between 6 weeks and 8 months of age. This condition resolves with the onset of the first estrous cycle of your pet. The condition can recur intermittently until the pet reaches puberty and does not recur after maturity. Although this is a self limiting condition, you should rule out other more serious conditions by performing a vet check and determining the cause of the infection.

Adult Onset Canine Vaginitis

As the name suggests, this type of vaginal infection occurs after the pet has reached maturity and there can be various causes for this infection. Treatment begins after the cause is identified. Hence, it’s best to visit the vet at the earliest.

Causes of Canine Vaginitis

There are several causes of vaginitis in dogs. Infections caused by bacteria, yeast or virus, a urinary tract infection, a foreign body in the vaginal cavity are some causes of vaginal infections. Dogs suffering from a congenital defect of the vagina, or urine or feces contamination can also suffer from a vaginal infection.

Apart from this cancer, also known as vaginal neoplasia, can give rise to vaginal infections.

Diagnosis of Canine Vaginitis

The vet may recommend tests such as complete blood count test, urinalysis and a biochemical profile in addition to a physical examination and medical history to diagnose the cause of the vaginal infection. Other tests generally performed include vaginal culture, digital vaginal examination, examination of vaginal cells (vaginal cytology), and examination of the vagina through a microscope (vaginoscopy).

Treatment of Canine Vaginitis

Treatment of canine vaginitis depends on the cause of the infection. Juvenile vaginitis is self resolving and no treatment is required. If a foreign body is the cause of the infection, its removal resolves the problem.

Treatment of vaginal neoplasia can help resolve vaginitis that’s caused by cancer. Antibiotics and antivirals are generally prescribed if the cause is a bacterial or viral infection. Vaginal douches help to cleanse the area and they’re often prescribed twice daily by veterinarians. Spaying limits the recurrence of vaginitis in intact females. Surgery is also required in case the pet is suffering from a congenital abnormality.

Pets suffering from canine vaginitis respond to treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. The prognosis depends upon the duration and the severity of the infection. You should therefore take your pet to the vet at the earliest if you suspect that she has a vaginal infection.

 

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