Partial vaginectomy for the treatment of a vaginal leiomyoma causing fecal and urinary retention in a bitch

Abstract

Vaginal and vulvar tumors are frequently observed in dogs, and leiomyoma, lipoma, fibroma and transmissible venereal tumors are the most commonly encountered genital canal tumors in bitches. These tumors may impair urination and defecation functions by compressing the adjacent organs, especially the urethra and rectum. Partial vaginectomy is a radical treatment choice for cranially located giant genital canal tumors. This study aimed to present the clinical, ultrasonographic, videovaginoscopic and histopathological findings of vaginal leiomyoma caused to fecal and urinary retention and report the partial vaginectomy as a radical technique in a bitch. An 11-year-old, mixed-breed bitch was referred with complaints of defecation, urination and intermittent vaginal bleeding. Clinically, the vulva was hyperemic and edematous, and dermatitis around the perineal region. A vaginal examination with a speculum revealed no vaginal discharge. The hematological parameters of the bitch were within reference ranges. Vaginal smear examinations revealed few mitotic figures, keratinized squamous epithelium and non-keratinized squamous cells and mild degree neutrophilia. A full urinary bladder and a mass located caudoventrally at the caudoventral part of the bladder were determined ultrasonographically. This mass was also observed by videovaginoscopy. Under general anesthesia, partial vaginectomy and ovariohysterectomy were performed to remove the mass and to spay the bitch. Histopathological findings supported a diagnosis of vaginal leiomyoma. The emergency of vaginal neoplasia in female dogs with defecation and urinary problems should be considered depending on their size and severity of clinical problems. As the findings of this case demonstrates, partial vaginectomy may be the treatment of choice.