A rectovaginal fistula in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with a normal anus: a case report

Abstract

Background: Rectovaginal fistula is a rare congenital disorder of dogs and cats that may occur with or without imperforate anus. The condition is characterized by a communication between the dorsal wall of the vagina and the ventral portion of the rectum, so that the vulva functions as a common opening for the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. Case presentation: A 3-year-old, 0.53 kg, surgically sterilized female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for passage of feces through the vulva, repeated vaginal discharge and vaginitis. Through physical examination, ultrasound, contrast radiographs, and CT scan exploration, the ferret was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula which was surgically corrected. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsally to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were closed separately. Conclusion and case relevance: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling in dogs and cats. No complications were observed with our ferret 7 and 15 days after the surgical correction. The purpose of this report is to describe a ferret with rectovaginal fistula as a sole anorectal abnormality that was treated by surgical correction for the first time.