Influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis, pelvic bladder, and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs: 38 cases (1990-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To determine influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis, pelvic bladder, and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
38 spayed female dogs.


METHODS
Medical records and client follow-up were reviewed for dogs evaluated via excretory urography because of clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. Clinical signs, results of radiography, and response to surgical or medical treatment were analyzed.


RESULTS
Clinical signs included urinary tract infection (n = 24), urinary incontinence (20), vaginitis (11), pollakiuria or stranguria (10), and perivulvar dermatitis (4). Vaginocystourethrographic findings included vestibulovaginal stenosis (n = 28), pelvic bladder (17), and ureteritis or pyelonephritis (4). Ten dogs had a vestibulovaginal ratio of < 0.20 (severe stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.20 to 0.25 (moderate stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.26 to 0.35 (mild stenosis), and 10 dogs had a ratio of > 0.35 (anatomically normal). Lower urinary tract infection, incontinence, and pelvic bladder were not associated with response to treatment for recessed vulva. Vestibulovaginal stenosis with a ratio < 0.20 was significantly associated negatively with response to treatment. Dogs without severe vestibulovaginal stenosis that received vulvoplasty for a recessed vulva responded well to treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Vestibulovaginal stenosis is likely an important factor in dogs with vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20. Vaginectomy or resection and anastomosis should be considered in dogs with severe vestibulovaginal stenosis and signs of lower urinary tract disease.
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000002:abnormalities; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014621:Vagina / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D014844:Vulva / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery