<>
|
Canine Vaginitis
Race Foster, DVM, Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
|
|
Vaginitis refers to an
inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can be brought on or caused
by problems occurring within the vagina, or be secondary to conditions
elsewhere
in the body. It is a fairly common disorder in dogs of all ages. It may
be the result of trauma, however, this is rarely the cause.
Most cases seen in dogs are caused by the caustic and irritating
effects of urine on the vaginal mucosa or lining. Since urine normally
passes through the vagina with every urination and vaginitis is only
seen in a very small percentage of female dogs, cases of this disorder
typically mean the urine is abnormal or its flow is in some way altered.
In cases of bladder infections (cystitis), the urine contains large
numbers of bacteria. Expelled with the urine, these can easily colonize
the vagina, leading to an infection and inflammation of this structure.
In mature female dogs, especially in those that have been spayed,
urinary incontinence can be a common problem. This is basically a
chronic leaking of small quantities of urine from the bladder. When
this occurs, urine may lie against the vaginal lining much of the time
and lead to a 'urine scald' or irritation.
Infections from bacteria, yeasts, and viruses are known to occur within
the vagina. The bacteria isolated from this structure are those
commonly
found or passed in the dog's stool. It is thought that when the animal
cleans
itself after urination and defecation, the licking may transfer
bacteria
from the anus to the vagina. As in other species, yeast infections of
the
vagina sometimes occur in animals that are on prolonged antibiotic
therapy.
It appears that these medications suppress the normal bacteria living
in
this structure, which in some way may prevent the growth of yeast
organisms.
The herpes virus known to infect dogs commonly infects the vaginal
area. As in other animals, this is a chronic infection with occasional
flare-ups of clinical signs.
Non-infectious inflammations of the vagina also occur due to the
effects of shampoos, detergents, cleaning agents, and other solutions.
The severity of these is dependent on the properties of the causative
agent.
In animals with vulvar fold abnormalities, the vaginitis may be
secondary to irritations resulting from this condition.
Young female dogs less than one year of age may develop 'juvenile
vaginitis.' The cause of this condition is unknown, but generally
resolves with age.
Copyright
© 1997-2009, Foster & Smith, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
*****************
The
above information is simply informational. It's intent
is
not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making
a
diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for
confirmation
of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
