That's Not Normal: How to Handle Vaginal Anatomic Anomalies

Overview
There are a number of developmental and acquired conditions affecting the vagina and vulva that can be seen in both dogs and cats. Most commonly, dogs will be affected with these aberrations. Congenital conditions, which primarily affect younger dogs and cats, include rectovaginal fistula and anovulvar cleft; vulvar/vaginal hypoplasia and atresia; clitoral enlargement; and vaginal septa, bands, or stenosis. Acquired conditions generally affect older animals and include vaginal neoplasia and vaginal prolapse. However, some acquired conditions such as vaginal hyperplasia and perivulvar dermatitis can affect younger dogs. It is important to note that some acquired problems may develop secondary to abnormal anatomy of the reproductive tract so a thorough examination of the reproductive system is imperative in these animals. [...]