"Innie" - vulval involution - Page 1

Does anyone have any knowledge on this issue.....I have a few questions.

What are the chances of them outgrowing it and around what age?

Will this be a cause for frequent UTI's, bladder infections and/or vaginal infections?

Is there anything you can do to cut the chances of infections?

When is it best recommended to have her fixed?

Look forward to hearing the response.

There are varying degrees of involution and varied outcomes.  Many will become normal after the swelling of the first heat cycle and therefore it's sometimes good to wait to spay them until they've completed a cycle.  They can be prone to vaginitis and UTIs due to the tendency for the folds in the area to remain moist and hospitable to bacteria.  Use of a baby wipe or otherwise drying them off after relieving themselves can help prevent problems.  I've seen this in a few young females and all outgrew it, even before the first heat cycle.  Some, however, can be severely involuted and never fully correct themselves.  I haven't seen any like that, but the literature states surgery may (rarely) be required to correct those cases. 

Regards,

Diane Seaman

I agree, completing a heat cycle and spaying not less than 2 months after helps the majority of cases. In the mean time keep the area clean and dry. I find that using a "barrier" ointment such as A&D (diaper rash ointment--NOT DESITIN--ZINC OXIDE IS TOXIC IF INGESTED IN LARGE AMOUNTS) as a skin protectant will help prevent ulceration and discomfort from urine "scald".

There is a surgery called an episioplasty (affectionately known in my practice as a "butt tuck") that can be performed at physical maturity (after age 2) to bring up the excess tissue, exteriorize the vulva and decrease self trauma. We perform it most often on bitches that were spayed early and are overweight.

K 

I have been told by my vet that vaginitis is very common in young bitch puppies.  I do have a bunch of insight on innies but it depends on exactly what the complaint is.  If it is UTI's I would strongly recommend having a sterile urinalysis done, just to know exactly what bacteria is causing the UTI's.  Too many vets start out with a broadform antibiotic that might not actually take care of the problem.  Most Innies take care of themselves.  As far as inability to contain urination, it does take some time for some bitch puppies to develop the size bladder to withhold for more than 2 hours.