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Why Is My Canine’s Vagina Swollen? 5 Vet Defined Causes & When to Fear – Dogster


Dr. Samantha Devine  PhotoDr. Samantha Devine  Photo

The data is present and up-to-date in accordance with the most recent veterinarian analysis.


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Your canine’s genital space appears greater than it usually is, so that you naturally marvel if it’s time to name the vet or if it’s one thing regular that may move by itself. Let’s check out a few of the the explanation why your canine’s vulva may change into swollen.

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The 5 Attainable Causes Your Canine’s Vagina Is Swollen

1. Estrus or the Warmth Cycle

For those who discover that your canine’s vulva is swollen, the very first thing to contemplate is: is she in warmth? In case your canine is just not spayed, they’ll normally have a warmth cycle roughly each six months, beginning between six and eight months of age. As your canine enters estrus, hormonal adjustments result in the vulva turning into enlarged. Your veterinarian could possibly decide the stage of your canine’s estrus cycle by performing vaginal cytology.

Dog Heat CycleDog Heat Cycle
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2. Infections and Irritation

Sadly, infections and inflammatory responses are doable inside the urinary and genital tracts, which might result in vulvar swelling.

Urinary Tract Infections

A UTI could be uncomfortable in your canine and enhance the probability of their vulva swelling. These Infections are extra frequent in females than males as a result of the urethra is shorter and wider in females, making it simpler for micro organism to ascend into the bladder.

Vaginitis

Canine also can develop vaginitis or irritation of the vagina. Micro organism or fungi like yeast may trigger this an infection. Some canines develop vulva enlargement, whereas others have vaginal discharge.

Juvenile Vaginitis

Pet vaginitis or juvenile vaginitis generally impacts feminine puppies. This irritation typically happens when puppies are between 6 weeks and eight months outdated. Puppies generally have yellow or white discharge, the vulva can swell, and the pet may lick the world so much.


3. Trauma

Canine can develop traumatic accidents anyplace, together with the vulva. They are often bitten or scratched when roughhousing with one other pet. Sticks and even blades of grass can traumatize the world. These accidents may cause delicate swelling attributable to tissue trauma and even result in cellulitis infections.

top view of french bulldog's butt side lying on bedtop view of french bulldog's butt side lying on bed
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4. Tumors

Tumors within the vaginal vestibule are unusual however can occur. These tumors can get giant and trigger exterior swelling, or they could prolapse out of the vulva. In canines, the most typical sorts of vaginal tumors are leiomyoma and lipoma. These tumors are typically benign.


5. Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse can happen in unspayed feminine canines, the place hormonal adjustments trigger the vaginal tissue to swell. It will probably swell so considerably that it protrudes out of the vulva. It’s normally donut-shaped and could also be accompanied by discharge. Vaginal prolapses typically have to be surgically repaired. Your veterinarian might counsel spaying your canine on the identical time to scale back the danger of recurrence.

vet examines a dog's suture after healing belly scar on dog stomach after surgeryvet examines a dog's suture after healing belly scar on dog stomach after surgery
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What to Do if Your Canine’s Vulva Is Swollen

In case your canine’s vulva is swollen, it is best to have your canine seen by a veterinarian except it’s related to their warmth cycle. Your veterinarian will study your pup and will counsel vaginal cytology to see what stage of the estrus cycle your canine is in and search for proof of an infection if vaginitis is suspected.

Relying on the prognosis, your veterinarian may counsel one of some choices:

  • Monitoring your canine for adjustments
  • Extra testing, resembling tremendous needle aspirate of a suspected vaginal tumor
  • Antibiotics if a bacterial an infection is suspected
  • Surgical procedure if indicated
boston terrier dog at vet clinic with ownerboston terrier dog at vet clinic with owner
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Regularly Requested Questions

What’s the distinction between the vulva and the vagina?

The exterior portion that you simply see if taking a look at your canine’s genital area is the vulva moderately than the vagina. The vagina is positioned internally and results in the cervix after which the uterus. The vulva is an exterior vestibule that results in the vagina and the urethra.

Why is my canine licking her non-public space?

Your canine may lick her genital area if she’s uncomfortable, resembling with a urinary tract an infection. She is also cleansing the world if she is having vaginal discharge.

Dog licking itselfDog licking itself
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Are you able to deal with vulvar infections at house?

It is best to take your canine to the vet if you happen to’re nervous a few vulvar or vaginal an infection, as these typically want antibiotics to deal with. You’ll be able to strive gently wiping round your canine’s genital space with a clear, damp fabric, however it is best to wipe gently and nonetheless take into account a veterinary appointment.

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Conclusion

For those who discover that your canine’s vulva is swollen, it is best to have it examined by a veterinarian. It could simply be a signal of their warmth cycle, nevertheless it may additionally point out one other subject, resembling an an infection or mass.


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