Subtotal vaginectomy for management of extensive vaginal disease in 11 dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To report (1) a surgical technique for subtotal vaginectomy using a combined abdominal and vestibular approach; (2) intra- and postoperative complications; and (3) long-term outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: Female dogs (n = 11) with extensive intramural vaginal disease.

METHODS

Through a ventral median celiotomy, the cranial aspect of the vagina was freed and ovariohysterectomy (OVH) was performed in intact females. After episiotomy, the vaginal wall was incised at the vestibulovaginal junction cranial to the urethral orifice, and the vagina freed from any remaining pelvic attachments. Dogs were reexamined at 4 weeks and 6 months. Long-term outcome was evaluated by contacting the primary veterinarian by phone.

RESULTS

Five dogs had benign vaginal disease and 6 had malignant vaginal neoplasia. A combined abdominal and vestibular approach permitted subtotal vaginectomy in all dogs; 6 dogs also had OVH. No major complications occurred and clinical signs had resolved by 4 weeks. One dog with malignant neoplasia was euthanatized 3 months later for metastatic disease and 1 dog developed postoperative urinary incontinence. Local recurrence or metastases were not identified in the other dogs.

CONCLUSION

Combined abdominal and vestibular approach for subtotal vaginectomy allowed complete resection of extensive vaginal lesions, was not associated with major complications, and outcome was favorable.