Episioplasty for the treatment of perivulvar dermatitis or recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with excessive perivulvar skin folds: 31 cases (1983-2000)

Objective-To evaluate the effectiveness of episioplasty for the treatment o f perivulvar dermatitis of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (U TI) believed to be secondary to excessive perivulvar skin folds in dogs and to document whether a causal relationship exists between the presence of c hronic or recurrent UTI and excessive perivulvar skin folds in female dogs. Design-Retrospective study. Animals 31 female dogs. Procedure Medical records of dogs with vulvar dermatitis (group 1; n = 15) or UTI (group 2; 16 were reviewed for history, signalment, physical examina tion findings, hematologic findings, results of urine or vaginal bacteriolo gic culture, and results of additional diagnostic procedures. Results-14 of 15 dogs in group 1 had complete resolution of perivulvar derm atitis and associated clinical signs following episioplasty. One dog had a relapse of clinical signs and vulvar dermatitis 2 years after surgery in as sociation with a 9-kg (19.8-lb) weight gain, Sixteen of 16 dogs in group 2 had complete resolution of clinical signs of UTI following episioplasty. Ur ine samples were obtained via cystocentesis no earlier than 1 month after s urgery to confirm resolution of UTl in 13 of 16 of dogs in group 2. Mild-to -moderate incisional swelling was the only surgical complication reported f or either group, with the exception of 1 dog in group 2 that had wound dehi scence. All owners were satisfied with surgical outcomes. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-All owners reported complete resolution of clinical signs for both groups of dogs. Episioplasty is an effective low morbidity treatment for perivulvar dermatitis and chronic UTI associated w ith excessive perivulvar skin folds.