What is Vulvoplasty (Episioplasty)?

Vulvoplasty, also known as episioplasty, is a surgical procedure that your veterinarian may recommend to correct a conformational issue known as a recessed vulva. Dogs with a recessed vulva have skin folds that hang over the vulva. In a vulvoplasty, your veterinarian will remove a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from above the vulva. This lifts the skin around the vulva, pulling it into a more normal conformation.

Why Would My Veterinarian Recommend a Vulvoplasty? In dogs with a recessed vulva, folds of skin and fat hang over the vulva. These skin folds often trap urine, leading to a warm, moist environment that allows bacteria to proliferate. Affected dogs may develop:

• Inflammation or infection of the skin folds
• Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation/infection)
• Urinary tract infections

Dogs may experience recurrent infections, requiring long-term treatment with topical or repeated oral antibiotics. In some cases, recurrent or long-term use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic-resistant infections. Restoring the normal conformation of the vulva helps improve ventilation in this area, allowing the skin to dry out and making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Additionally, this surgery prevents skin layers from rubbing together and further contributing to vulvar inflammation.

Preparation Prior to Vulvoplasty: Before surgery, it is essential to resolve any skin infection present around the vulva. In many cases, this requires a course of oral antibiotics. If your veterinarian suspects an antibiotic-resistant infection, bacterial cultures may be performed to guide the choice of an appropriate antibiotic. Clearing any existing infection before surgery is crucial because infection at the surgery site could prevent the wound from healing normally. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork may also be recommended to assess your dog’s overall health and candidacy for anesthesia. Following your veterinarian’s instructions regarding food and water intake before anesthesia is essential to minimize the risk of vomiting during or after the procedure.

How Is Vulvoplasty Performed? During vulvoplasty, your veterinarian will:

1. Administer anesthesia to ensure your dog is comfortable and pain-free.
2. Remove a crescent-shaped piece of tissue (skin and possibly some underlying fat) above and extending down both sides of the vulva.

By correcting the recessed vulva, vulvoplasty aims to improve your dog’s quality of life and prevent recurrent infections. Always consult with your veterinarian to make informed decisions for your pet’s health and well-being.

Remember that veterinary procedures should always be performed by qualified professionals. If you suspect any issues with your pet’s health, seek advice from your veterinarian promptly.