Rectovaginal fistula in a dog with a normal anus: a case report

Abstract

A one-year-old, 2.6 kg, spayed female Maltese dog was referred with passage of faeces coming from the vulva, repeated vaginal discharge and vaginitis. Through physical examination, contrast radiograph and vaginoscopic exploration, the dog was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula which was surgically corrected. After midline perineal incision, the rectovaginal fistula was isolated and transected. The vaginal and rectal defects were closed separately, but dehiscence of the surgical region took place three days after surgery. For the second operation, the rectal segment containing the fistula was removed by transanal rectal pull-through, and anastomosis was performed. Total follow-up time was 10 months and no sign of recurrence was reported. Early postoperative complications included perineal soiling and wound dehiscence, but the long-term outcome was good. This case is the first report of surgical correction of a rectovaginal fistula in a dog with a normal anus.