Abstract
Canine reproductive problems constitute some of the most challenging cases encountered in small animal veterinary practice. This is usually complicated in breeding dogs by the unwillingness of clients to give consent for surgical interventions, due to the fear of loss of reproductive function. In this case, a two-year-old Bullmastiff bitch was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a mass protrusion from the vulva. Clinical examination revealed an eversion of a tongue-shaped vaginal tissue from the floor of the vaginal wall which subsequently progressed to an eversion of the complete vaginal circumference forming a doughnut-shaped mass. Investigations carried out included ultrasonography, hematology, hormonal assay, vaginal cytology, vaginal swab microbial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity test. A diagnosis of vaginal fold prolapse (type III) which progressed from a type II prolapse was made. Due to the client’s initial disinclination to a surgical intervention, the approach to the case evolved from a conservative management to an eventual surgical correction. There was a request to preserve the reproductive function of the bitch, therefore ovariohysterectomy was declined and the case was managed by surgical excision of the prolapsed vaginal mass under general anesthesia. A peri-vulvar purse string suture was placed temporarily to restrict any further prolapse. Histopathological evaluation of the excised vaginal tissue confirmed marked hyperplasia of the stratified squamous epithelium with intracellular edema and spongiosis. There was focal ulceration of vaginal mucosa with neutrophilic infiltration. The lamina propria showed reduced cellular density with loose and edematous connective tissue. Post-surgical care included daily care of surgical wound and the administration of analgesic, antibiotic and vitamin supplements. Subsequently, there was no recurrence of the condition in the bitch which came into estrus 27 weeks post-surgery, and was bred with successful conception.
Highlights
Reproductive tract anomalies in bitches are important causes of morbidity and infertility in dogs
Canine reproductive problems constitute some of the most challenging cases encountered in small animal veterinary practice
Due to the client’s initial disinclination to a surgical intervention, the approach to the case evolved from a conservative management to an eventual surgical correction
Summary
Reproductive tract anomalies in bitches are important causes of morbidity and infertility in dogs. Vaginal prolapse in the bitch has been referred to as vaginal hyperplasia, vaginal hypertrophy, estrual hypertrophy, vaginal eversion, vaginal protrusion or vaginal fold prolapse [1] [2] [3]. Vaginal fold prolapse (VFP) is the protrusion of edematous vaginal tissue through the opening of the vulva occurring as a result of an exaggerated response of the vaginal mucosa to estrogens [2] [4]. Type I prolapse is characterized by a slight to moderate eversion of the vaginal floor to the external urethral orifice, which does not protrude through the vulva. In type II, there is complete prolapse through the vulva of a broad tongue-shaped or a dome-shaped mass originating from the floor of the vagina cranial to the urethral orifice. Type III is characterized by a complete prolapse of the entire circumference of the vaginal wall, which presents a doughnut-shaped or ring-shaped mass [1] [2] [3]
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