What’s Under Ruby’s Hood?

By Kay Hisano | Dated July 8, 2024

Skin infections can happen all over the body, and that includes around the vulva. Owners had brought Ruby, a gorgeous Japanese Spitz, into Gordon Vet as she had been constantly licking around her vulva and noticed a discoloration. The skin around the vulva can be a common site for infection depending on the conformation of skin around the vulva.

Ruby had something called a hooded vulva, which is where the vulva is recessed and hidden by a skin fold. This is thought to be a genetic issue, although not completely understood, and more commonly seen in middle to large breeds. For some, the hooded vulva may not even cause any issues at all, but for some of them due to the skin fold, moisture retains around the vulva during urination causing a great environment for bacteria to live in. This leads to an infection of the skin around the vulva, known as perivulvar dermatitis. This infection can sometimes even lead to a vaginitis or a urinary tract infection.

Clinical signs of perivulvar dermatitis can range from a foul smell, constant licking around the vulva, redness around the vulva and/or scooting. Without treating the underlying issue, which is the conformation of the vulva, dogs will commonly have recurring infections.

Ruby’s infection resolved after a course of antibiotics initially, but sure enough came back a couple of months afterwards. This is when the owners decided to go ahead with surgical treatment performed by Dr John. The surgery is called a vulvoplasty. This is when a surgeon removes a piece of tissue surrounding the vulva to create a more normal structure allowing for more ventilation to the area.

Here is a picture of Ruby looking comfortable at home after her vulvoplasty surgery. We are all hoping that Ruby stays infection free and comfortable after her procedure.