A bitch can have a swollen vulva for something as simple as the arrival of heat, or for serious causes such as the presence of infections, vaginal inflammation, tumors, cysts, beginning of prolapse or the intrusion of foreign bodies. Therefore, if it is confirmed that the dog is not in heat, you should go to the vet as soon as possible to obtain a diagnosis and establish the best treatment. Some of the causes can lead to the death of the dog if they are not treated in time, so your quick action is vital for her.
In this article on our site we detail the most common causes of vulvitis, or inflammation of the vulva, so that you can try to collect as much information as possible and go to a specialist. Keep reading and discover why your dog has a swollen vulva
My dog's vulva is swollen and bleeding
If your female dog has swollen parts, is bleeding and, moreover, is between 6 months and a year old, with total probability she is experiencing her first heatThis is not an exact science and therefore there is no set age for all female dogs. In general, toy or small breeds usually begin this period around 6 months, medium or large breeds between 7 and 13 months, while giant breeds can take up to 16 months of age.
In addition to observing slight or noticeable bleeding, and swelling of the vulva, the bitch in heat reveals other symptoms:
- She is more receptive to males.
- Seeks to approach males during walks.
- The males come excitedly to smell their private parts.
- The vulva becomes darker.
- She licks her vulva a lot.
If you have been able to confirm that your dog is not in heat, either because of her age or because you are keeping track of her period and she is still not due, or you have the feeling that her heat is longer than expected, vulvar swelling and bleeding may be due to other causes:
- Ovarian cysts Although there are several types of ovarian cysts that exist depending on their nature, the most common are functional. These cysts cause a state of constant estrus, that is, in the eyes of the guardians it is as if the bitch were in permanent heat. Thus, if 40 days after the first bleeding the bitch still has a swollen vulva and is bleeding, it is advisable to go to the vet to carry out the pertinent tests and confirm or rule out the presence of cysts.
- Tumors in the ovaries While cysts are most common in female dogs under 5 years of age, tumors often develop in dogs that exceed this figure. Likewise, some ovarian tumors also develop cysts, so it is possible that both causes occur. They are not usually very common in female dogs, however, in case of any suspicion, a specialist should be consulted to examine the female dog, since depending on the tumor and the state in which it is found, the treatment and the life expectancy of the animal may vary.
- Ovary Remnant Syndrome As with the previous problems, it shows up as permanent heat but, in this case, in spayed bitches. During sterilization, a part of the ovarian tissue was trapped in the abdominal cavity, causing bleeding and other signs of heat.
- Pyometra It is a uterine infection whose main symptoms are the secretion of mucus that may be accompanied by blood. If the dog reaches this point, the condition is probably in an advanced stage and you should go to the vet immediately. It differs from other causes because the excreted substance is much thicker, transparent, whitish or bloody. It is a serious problem that must be attended to urgently in order to save the life of the animal.
- Presence of foreign bodies. If a foreign body penetrates the vaginal cavity of the bitch and causes lesions, either in the vagina or in the vulva, it is usual for the bitch to have swollen parts and blood from her.
My dog has a swollen vulva and is not in heat
When heat has been totally ruled out and the bitch's vulva is swollen but not bleeding, the causes may also be related to the presence of infections, inflammation, serious conditions or illnesses. Next, we expose the most frequent causes of inflammation of the vulva of a bitch without bleeding.
- Vaginitis This is known as inflammation of the vagina, and can be caused by multiple factors, the most common being the presence of infections urinary or uterine (viral or bacterial), congenital malformations or intrusion of foreign bodies. The main sign is the inflammation of the vulva or vaginal vestibule of the bitch, and depending on the underlying cause, the animal may present other symptoms such as the secretion of pus or mucus, itching, excessive licking, etc.
- Uterine prolapse It is distinguished by showing the swollen vulva and a small lump coming out of the hole. As the prolapse progresses, the lump increases in size and the dog's condition worsens, appearing listless, apathetic… You should go to the vet at the first sign in order to act and save the animal's life. In general, it occurs in female dogs that have given birth once or several times, however, it can also occur in dogs that have never experienced a pregnancy before.
- Vaginal prolapse At first glance, the physical signs are the same as those shown for uterine prolapse, so only the vet can diagnose the type of prolapse and treatment. Although it usually occurs in bitches that have given birth, or in some cases during pregnancy, it can also develop in dogs that have never been pregnant.
- Womb (uterine) infection or ovarian infectionAs we have seen in the previous section, pyometra does not always present bleeding, so if the vulva is swollen and the secretion of pus or thick discharge is observed, you should go to the specialist to check if it is this pathology and start treatment..
- Trauma. It is caused by a blow or injury that, in addition to showing the dog's vulva inflamed, can lead to bleeding.
The image shows a uterine prolapse.
My dog's vulva is swollen and red
Usually when a female dog has a swollen, red, or irritated vulva, it is due to an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis It is caused by hypersensitivity of the skin to direct contact with one or more specific substances. Chemical products are the main allergens, however, they are not the only ones, and everyday objects such as the collar, toys or the animal's bedding can also develop contact dermatitis. In this way, if you have just changed your dog's mattress and she has begun to show the aforementioned symptoms (swollen, red and irritated vulva), in addition to itching, excessive licking and hair loss in the affected area, it is likely that this condition be the problem. On the other hand, it is possible that he develops the same signs in other equally sensitive areas, such as the rest of the mucous membranes (gums and eyelids), so it is not surprising that he scratches his eyes or nose with the intention of relieving itching.
On the other hand, vulvar swelling and redness can also be due to vaginal hyperplasia in a very advanced stage. It generally develops in female dogs under 5 years of age that have not been sterilized as a result of an excessive reaction of the tissue to estrogen. The inflammation worsens if the problem is not treated, and may even show an exaggeratedly inflamed and red vulva. Hyperplasia can also be caused by a vaginal prolapse, so a visit to the vet is mandatory as soon as the first symptoms are perceived.
My dog is pregnant and her vulva is swollen
When a bitch is pregnant and the time of delivery approaches, she tends to have a noticeably swollen vulva and even blood loss in some cases. This sign can appear about two or three days before the birth of the puppies, and is usually accompanied by other signs such as the preparation of the nest or a nervous and agitated attitude. To check if this is really the reason, do not hesitate to go to the vet. Keep in mind that a pregnancy lasts between 59 and 67 days, so if your dog is in this period, she begins to prepare for the arrival of the little ones!
If your pregnant dog has a swollen vulva and there is still a long time before delivery because you have carefully controlled her pregnancy, then a vaginal prolapse may be occurring. This condition is rare and can only be diagnosed and treated by a specialist, so you should see it as soon as possible.
