Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs

The noticeable sign and symptom is a tongue-like bulge, protruding through the dog’s vulva.  Other symptoms include:

• Pain during urination
• Extreme licking of the vulva
• Spilling out of the vulva
• Noticeable tissue at the opening of the vagina
• Swelling of the tissue
• Difficulty with having puppies during delivery

If your dog is pregnant and ready to give birth, pushing to deliver the puppies may result in the bulging and swelling of the tissues. In fact, this can create a blockage when your dog is ready to deliver her puppies. This should be considered a medical emergency where a C-section should be administered. If not, then the mother and the pups may be at risk. Therefore, a veterinarian should be consulted for medical assistance.

Estrogen is truly influential in causing a swollen vaginal lining, especially during the dog’s heat or period cycle. When your dog has this protruding mass, it prevents the dog from mating. A difficult labor is also a prerequisite of vaginal hyperplasia in dogs. This condition is caused by extended straining during the delivery process or in other instances, a forceful separation of dogs while mating. There are certain breeds affected by vaginal hyperplasia such as:

• German Shepherd
• Boxer
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff
• Airedale Terrier
• Springer Spaniel
• English Bulldog
• Walker Hound

Although genetic influence is obviously one factor that influences vaginal prolapse in dogs, it is not the only one. An inflamed vaginal wall could also be the reason. Your dog will have difficulty with constipation and urination.

It is important for you as a pet owner to realize the severity of the problem and get your dog to the veterinarian as early as possible. Your veterinarian will provide a proper diagnosis upon assessing the symptoms. Most veterinarians believe that vaginal prolapse and heightened estrogen levels are connected. The reason for this observation and conclusion is that the condition usually happens prior to the dog’s heat cycle where estrogen levels are higher. 

If the condition is severe, it could result in prolapse where the tissues are visible. Of course, the obvious signs of swollen and bulging vaginal tissue in a female dog is an indication that vaginal hyperplasia is the proper diagnosis. Make sure to provide the veterinarian with further information, including the dog’s breed and how long and the instances when your pet has experienced vaginal hyperplasia.

Don’t feel overwhelmed, though, because successful treatment is possible. The veterinarian will clean the vaginal area and use antibiotic cream to lubricate the area, preventing drying. If your goal is not dog breeding, then the veterinarian may recommend spaying to prevent further problems. If you are going to breed your dog, then artificial insemination would be the ideal choice. If the condition is severe, the veterinarian might consider suturing to get the mass returned to the vagina, after which it would subside once the heat cycle has been completed. The veterinarian will also make a decision whether to surgically take out the dead tissue. Doing so will avoid a reoccurrence of hyperplasia. 

Hormone therapy is also an option if your dog has not had any damage to the vaginal tissue and once urination is possible. Hormone therapy will accelerate the heat cycle and correct the vaginal prolapse. The veterinarian may apply topical cream to the area to reduce the swelling.