Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment for blocked vaginal opening and fluid buildup in two dogs
By Palm, Carrie A et al.·Published in Topics in companion animal medicine·2021·University of California-Davis, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Treatment of a Congenital Imperforate Vestibulovaginal Junction and Secondary Hydrocolpos With Endoscopic Laser Ablation in Two Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs were brought in with problems urinating and having bowel movements, and they were found to have a blockage in their vaginas. An ultrasound showed a fluid-filled structure in their abdomens, and further examination confirmed that both dogs had an imperforate vagina, meaning it was blocked. The veterinarians used a laser to create an opening, which initially helped both dogs, but one of them had a recurrence of the fluid buildup a month later. Overall, the laser treatment was successful and had no complications, but more research is needed to see how well it works in the long run.
People also search for: dog urinary problems · dog vaginal blockage treatment · laser surgery for dog hydrocolpos
Abstract
Two dogs were evaluated for clinical signs including dysuria, stranguria, and/or dyschezia. Physical examination findings were consistent with a caudal abdominal and intra-pelvic mass. Imaging with abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a tubular fluid-filled structure. In 1 dog computed tomography identified the fluid-filled structure to be the vagina and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic evaluation of the urogenital tracts identified imperforate vaginas in both dogs, and endoscopic-guided laser ablation was used to create a vaginal opening into the vestibule. Initial response to treatment was positive in both dogs, although 1 dog developed a recurrence of hydrocolpos 1-month after treatment. Endoscopic laser ablation provided a minimally invasive option for opening an imperforate vagina and no procedural complications occurred. Further evaluation is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34400380/