OK now, we have to be completely honest with you that this condition is exactly as uncomfortable as it sounds. So, if you have received this diagnosis in your female pet pooch then probably the only comfort that you can get is in the fact that you are not the first loving pet owner to have to go through this.
Which is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet wanted to take a moment and discuss what a hypoplastic vulva is and hopefully be able to shed a little bit of light on what it will be like to actually own a dog that experiencing uncomfortable situation.
So, let’s first start off our discussion by attempting to answer the question of…
“What is a hypoplastic vulva?”
A Hypoplastic Vulva is the medical term used to describe the “retreat” of the vulva further into the internal passages. You may also here it referred to as a ‘Juvenile Vulva’, because of the way it resembles the Vulva of a dog that is still growing.
This issue occurs…
When skin folds grow over the vaginal area making it a trap for dirt and germs to build up. A dog that suffers from repetitive Urinary Tract infections is a possible sufferer. The more moisture and dirt gather in the area the more likely the vagina is to push these germs back up the Urethra, leaving your poor pooch in need of the vet.
Now surprisingly…
This condition is more common than you would think, especially among medium to large breed bitches, who tend to carry extra weight on them as a standard dog breed may.
Plus…
It should be noted that any female dog that has been spayed is at higher risk of contracting this condition as well, as are overweight dogs, dogs who struggle against skin allergies and medium to large breeds.
The problem with this condition…
In addition to the fact that it’s quite uncomfortable for your pup, is that it can also to your dog developing infections within the trapped folds of skin causing the recessed volva as well as increasing your dog’s risk of contracting a urinary tract infection.
In cases like these…
The problem does not lie with the condition itself but rather with the infections that your dog might be exposed to as a result. Besides anything else, this is a very itchy skin condition, meaning that your dog is likely to lick it in an attempt to improve the situation.
Unfortunately…
Licking or scooting across the carpet will only cause further trauma to the potentially infected area. This condition has the potential to do serious harm to your dog should she be unable to leave the area well alone.
And to make matters worse…
This is a condition which can come and go, too. Particularly with young females of breeding age. The visibility of the vulva may depend upon where your dog is in her heat cycle. This means that you may only need to treat this condition for part of the time.
Unfortunately…
This is very much like the human equivalent: Thrush. There is not a whole lot you can do to keep it away and, once you’ve had it, the chances are that you will get it again. Without the correction of surgery, you may find that you are forking out quite a lot for specialist shampoos, conditioners and wet wipes designed to make your dog more comfortable.
Breeds known to suffer from this condition
This is one of those diseases that might affect any dog breed. That said however, there are some key factors that can contribute to it though. Dogs who have been spayed are at higher risk than others, obviously this is a female-only condition, dogs who are overweight re at risk because of their excess skin and any breed that is medium to large can expect symptoms at least now and again.
It is important to note…
That a recessed Vulva is perfectly normal in all female dogs until after they have gone through their first heat cycle, when it ought to be visible on into adulthood. The knowledge that it happens to every female pup should give you some kind of idea of how common a condition it is.
Treatment options for a recessed vulva
A hypoplastic vulva or recessed vulva can be monitored and treated with certain things. You might want to apply topical creams and unguents, wash the dog in medicated shampoo and wipe her every time she starts to itch with a medicated wipe. This ought to be enough to relieve and symptoms – particularly if they are only mild ones.
Now if your dog is…
Truly suffering due to repetitive urinary tract infections or due to excessively licking herself then you may want to employ a more permanent solution. In cases like these, you may want to ask your vet about the surgical option, which might be better for you and your pooch.
During this relatively…
Simple surgery, the folds of skin are removed or pinned back thus preventing future infection and bacterial build up. This corrective operation is often the best option by far, simply because it will typically only cause minimal distress to your dog and it will save you possible years of wiping the poor girls bum.
That said however…
Only you and your vet will be able to know for sure what is and what isn’t best for you pet. Which brings us to the part of the article where we like to remind folks that we here at IndulgeYourPet are not doctors, veterinarians or medical professionals. All we are is a bunch of folks who just happen to be passionate about animals and only want what’s best for them.
This is why…
If you feel like your pet may have a recessed vulva (or any other health issue for that matter) the first thing that you’re going to want to do is have him or her check out by a vet ASAP!
Because…
The truth is, an early diagnosis will often lead to the “best” medical outcome for your pet regardless of what is bothering him or her, but beyond that diagnosing a medical condition early could save you a bundle in medical costs!
Which is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
