Endoscopic resection of a vaginal septum in a bitch and observation of septa in two related bitches

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: In 2008, a 3-year-old female Labrador Retriever was presented for routine breeding soundness evaluation.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Vaginal endoscopy revealed an 8-cm long and 1-cm thick vaginal septum. Surgical resection of the septum was performed under general anaesthesia using a bipolar high-frequency resectoscope. Three months later the bitch was naturally mated and subsequently delivered five male and two female puppies without complications. Both female puppies were examined at the age of 12 and 15 months and showed a vaginal septum with a diameter of 0.3 and 0.5 cm, respectively.

DIAGNOSIS: Vaginal septa in three related bitches.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report describing the use of a bipolar high-frequency resectoscope for vaginal surgery in dogs. The septum could be resected quickly, with preservation of surrounding structures. Furthermore, it is the first report collecting information about familial presentation of vaginal septa in female dogs. Based on this case, we suggest that consideration should be given to the possible risk of inheritance of vaginal septa before considering surgical resection and breeding of female dogs.

KEY WORDS:

• Vaginal septa
• female dog
• high-frequency resectoscope
• heritability

Notes

¹A Münnich, Referral Centre for Reproduction in Small Animals, Friedenstrasse 60, Bernau, Germany