If you’re concerned that your dog might be suffering from vaginitis, read this article to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. If you think your dog might be suffering from vaginitis, you can take preventative measures to avoid the problem in the first place. The treatment for vaginitis depends on your dog’s symptoms.
Treatment
Despite a wide range of treatment options, vaginitis in dogs may be a sign of a more serious underlying disease. This disease, also called cervicovaginitis, can have significant systemic effects and requires surgical intervention to resolve. This is because diseased tissues in the vagina extend well cranially and caudally, including the cervix and uterine body. Untreated canine vaginitis may also result in high fever, dehydration, and increased pain. Therefore, the underlying disease must be treated promptly.
A veterinarian can help identify the cause of the condition and determine the best treatment. Generally, broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended for persistent infections. Antibiotics are not always necessary, and you should take your dog to the vet to make sure it is getting the right medication. If the vaginal swelling is due to a foreign body, your veterinarian may recommend surgical treatment or a course of medication. If the condition is caused by something less serious, however, you can try using wipes and/or medication prescribed by your vet.
In some cases, it is possible to get a diagnosis through a simple blood test. A veterinarian will examine your dog and take his or her temperature. A blood test may be performed as well to rule out other causes of the infection. In some cases, the symptoms may be due to a foreign body or a tumor. During this examination, your veterinarian may look for an abnormal vaginal shape. You should visit the vet to make sure your dog is not suffering from a foreign body or infection.
Prevention
While it is nearly impossible to prevent vaginitis in dogs, there are a few ways to minimize the risk. To begin with, your pet should be kept as healthy as possible, as this will support their immune system and reduce their risk of infection. A healthy diet and a clean environment will also help reduce the risk of infection. Finally, it is always a good idea to have regular checkups with your veterinarian to keep an eye on your pet’s health.
Surgical procedures can be performed on a dog with inflamed vaginal tissue. Vaginal surgery, or episioplasty, removes the skin between the anus and the vulva. This reveals a recessed vulva. This procedure can also be helpful for dogs that have enlarged anals. While this surgery may not cure your dog’s vaginitis, it can prevent the condition from recurring.
A veterinarian can perform blood and urine cultures to determine if vaginitis is the cause of your dog’s symptoms. Your vet can also offer you some tips that are specific to your dog’s breed and lifestyle. The veterinarian can help you determine the proper antibiotics and other treatments to address the underlying problem. A complete blood count will also be helpful for diagnosing bacterial or viral infection. A vet can help you avoid the risk of further infections by giving you specific tips.
Causes
While the cause of chronic vaginitis in dogs is not entirely clear, the condition can be due to an underlying medical condition. In cases where this condition persists for a long time, your veterinarian will likely recommend a course of antibiotics to address the underlying cause. Your vet may recommend surgery or medications to treat the underlying condition. It is important to follow the medication regimen recommended by your veterinarian.
If your dog is experiencing persistent discharge, a vaginoscopy can be done to assess the cause. The doctor may also look for signs of vesicular lesions or lymphoid follicles. Your vet may recommend a complete blood count to rule out other causes of vaginitis. If your dog’s vaginal discharge is blood-stained or abnormal in color, your vet may recommend antibiotics or spaying.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from vaginitis, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, urinalysis, biochemical profile, physical exam, and blood tests. In some cases, your vet may recommend a digital vaginal examination, a vaginoscopy, or other diagnostic procedures. If your vet suspects a tumor, surgery may be necessary to remove the mass.
