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Vasculopathy, Cutaneous 1031

• In mild to moderate cases of juvenile vagi-
nitis, twice-daily cleaning with baby wipes
VetBooks.ir Possible Complications Diseases and Disorders
may be beneficial.

• Ascending UTI can result from chronic
vaginitis.
• Self-mutilation can result from excessive
licking of the perivulvar skin secondary to
vaginitis.
Recommended Monitoring
Recheck animals showing any signs of systemic
illness, and look for complications such as
A B metritis.
VAGINITIS A, Vaginoscopy of a bitch with chronic vaginitis shows prominent lymphoid follicles on the vaginal PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
mucosa. B, Vaginoscopy of a bitch presenting with vaginitis shows a grass awn in the vaginal lumen. (Courtesy
Dr. Autumn Davidson.) • With spontaneous remission, future repro-
ductive success is not compromised.
• Contrast radiography 5 days, tapering to 2 times per week, or • In prepubertal dogs, vaginitis may or may
• Biopsy phenylpropanolamine 1-1.5 mg/kg PO q not resolve after one or more estrous cycles,
8-12h (p. 1011) but ovariohysterectomy should be delayed
TREATMENT ○ In overweight dogs with urinary inconti- until after the first cycle.
nence with excessive perivulvar skin folds,
Treatment Overview persistent moisture, and urine scalding, PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
• Without an identifiable underlying primary vulvoplasty (episioplasty) is recommended.
cause, most cases of juvenile-onset and adult- ○ Vaginal anatomic anomalies (up to Comments
onset vaginitis resolve spontaneously. 36% of cases): surgical repair may be Limited understanding of the causes of vaginitis
○ Treatment of the underlying cause, if indicated. makes it difficult to predict when and if clinical
identified, is usually curative. • If the primary problem is idiopathic signs will resolve.
• Most therapy for vaginitis is symptomatic ○ DES may be helpful to treat subclinical
because most cases are idiopathic. urinary incontinence and may enhance Technician Tips
WBC migration to the vagina and increase Excessive licking may be prevented using an
Acute General Treatment vaginal elasticity. NOTE: do not use DES Elizabethan collar; sedation (e.g., trazodone
• In juvenile-onset and adult-onset vaginitis, in dogs that have not reached full height 2-3 mg/kg PO q 24h) may reduce scooting.
antibiotic treatment, if used, should be because it may induce premature physeal
based on results of culture and sensitivity closure of the long bones. Client Education
(cranial vaginal guarded sample) and given ○ Glucocorticoids may be beneficial in some Daily record of the frequency and severity of
for 4 weeks. Antibiotics are usually not war- bitches. Do not use in cases of concurrent clinical signs (e.g., vulvar discharge, vulvar
ranted for mixed bacterial growth (a normal urinary incontinence. licking) can help the veterinarian to assess
finding). • If history or clinical signs of concurrent response to therapy.
• Vaginal douches with antiseptics or antibiot- atopic dermatitis (p. 91) and vaginitis coexist
ics are unrewarding. ○ May be beneficial to use hydroxyzine SUGGESTED READING
• If the primary problem is urinary inconti- 1-2 mg/kg PO q 8-12h; decrease the dose Root Kustritz MV: Vaginitis in dogs: a simple
nence if treatment is effective or if secondary approach to a complex condition. Vet Med
○ Urinary incontinence suspected due to effects such as sedation are pronounced 103:562-567, 2008.
urethral sphincter mechanism incom- AUTHOR: Carlos M. Gradil, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT
petence (up to 60% of adult cases): Chronic Treatment EDITOR: Michelle A. Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT
diethylstilbestrol (DES) 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, • Owners should be instructed to keep the
maximum dose of 1 mg PO q 24h for perivulvar skin folds clean.

Vasculopathy, Cutaneous Bonus Material Client Education
Online
Sheet
Epidemiology
BASIC INFORMATION • Familial cutaneous vasculopathy (autosomal
SPECIES, AGE, SEX recessive): Parson (Jack) Russell terrier, Scot-
Definition Dogs and cats of any age and either sex; tish terrier, German shepherd
The condition is characterized by blood dermatomyositis becomes manifest in young • Alabama rot: greyhounds
vessel abnormalities that result in tissue dogs (usually < 6 months) • Proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the
necrosis. It can be divided into ischemic pinnae: dachshund, Weimaraner
dermatopathies and cutaneous vasculitis GENETICS, BREED PREDISPOSITION • Rabies vaccine injection-site vasculitis
(inflammatory process that targets the blood Any breed, but certain syndromes show breed (p. 550): miniature poodle, Bichon frisé,
vessels). predisposition: Yorkshire terrier
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