For many pet owners, an occasional urinary tract infection (UTI) in their dog can be resolved with a short course of antibiotics. But for some dogs, UTIs keep returning, causing discomfort, frustration, and ongoing health risks. One common but often overlooked cause is a condition called a hooded vulva (also known as a recessed vulva), where excess skin folds partially cover the vulva, trapping moisture and bacteria.

Meet Lizzy Walker, a sweet dog who has had recurrent urinary issues for most of her life.

Lizzy’s Struggle with UTIs

Lizzy’s family brought her to our ER in early August after noticing she was dribbling urine, straining to urinate, and frequently licking her vulva. On examination, ER veterinarian, Dr. Tom Mick noted swelling and redness around the area. While she always improved after antibiotics, the infections kept returning, sometimes just months apart.

Internal Medicine veterinarian, Dr. Alex Portanova, performed an ultrasound and urinalysis. While no stones or significant urinary tract abnormalities were found, Lizzy’s recessed vulva was identified as the likely culprit for her repeated infections. Excess skin folds had created the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, and frequent licking had also led to dermatitis.

Surgical Solution: Vulvoplasty

After discussing the options with Lizzy’s family, our surgical team recommended a vulvoplasty, a procedure that removes the excess skin around the vulva to improve airflow, reduce moisture, and prevent bacteria buildup. This surgery can dramatically lower the risk of future UTIs and skin infections.

On August 7, Lizzy was placed under general anesthesia for both a vaginoscopy and vulvoplasty. The procedure went smoothly, with no complications. Board-certified surgeon, Dr. David Allen, and surgical resident, Dr. Kevin Grisham, carefully removed the excess skin and sutured the area for optimal healing. Lizzy was able to go home the same day with pain management, antibiotics, and instructions for a follow-up urinalysis.

The Road to Recovery

In the weeks following her surgery, Lizzy’s healing progressed well. By eliminating the excess skin folds, our surgical team removed a major source of her discomfort and the likely cause of her recurring UTIs. With proper post-operative care and monitoring, Lizzy’s prognosis for a future free of constant infections is excellent.

When to Talk to Your Vet About Recurrent UTIs

If your dog has repeated urinary tract infections, especially if symptoms return quickly after treatment, it’s important to investigate the underlying cause. Conditions like a hooded vulva, bladder stones, or anatomical abnormalities can make infections more likely.

Our surgical team at Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty is skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions, including performing vulvoplasty when appropriate. This procedure can greatly improve a dog’s comfort, quality of life, and long-term urinary health.

If your dog is experiencing frequent UTIs, our specialists are here to help. Call us at 913-361-3800 to schedule a consultation with our surgical team and discuss treatment options.