Vaginectomy and urethroplasty as a treatment for non-pedunculated vaginal tumours in four bitches.

Abstract

Vaginal tumours are uncommon in dogs. Previous reports have shown that 73 to 94 per cent of documented vaginal tumours are benign and pedunculated, often on narrow stalks. Some vaginal tumours are non-pedunculated. They grow in a concentric way either towards the vestibular area or towards the cervix. Their growth can locally affect the function of other organs. Urethral and rectal compression as well as local neurological disturbances have been described. This case series describes total and partial vaginectomy associated with urethroplasty as a treatment for non-pedunculated vaginal tumours in four dogs. These surgical procedures allowed complete resection of the tumour and were associated with low morbidity. Postoperative management and short term outcome are discussed. The final outcome was favourable; throughout the follow-up period, no local recurrence or metastasis was encountered in the animals.