Recessed vulva

Dr. Marie replied:

Thank you for an interesting question.

To answer your question, first, I'll explain what a perivulvar pyoderma is. "Pyoderma" means a skin infection and "perivulvar" means the skin surrounding the vulva. In many dogs it is possible to get a skin infection around the vulva because there can be folds of skin in this area. Infection happens because the folds are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. They are warm and retain moisture well.

Some dogs will have very deep folds of skin on either side of the vulva because they are overweight. Then, some dogs will have deep folds because the vulva is recessed. I am guessing that in Chloe's case, she may have a recessed vulva. Sometimes if I see a dog with a recessed vulva I will let them go through a heat cycle before spaying them. While there are some risks associated with this (such as a higher risk of mammary cancer later in life), usually letting the dog go through a heat cycle will help the recessed vulva return to normal.

If perivuvlar pyoderma is severe, then most dogs will benefit from having a surgery done to help reduce the amount of folded skin around the vulva. You can find more information about this here.

So, to answer your question, perivulvar pyoderma is not a genetic condition. But the more appropriate question would be is a recessed vulva genetic? (because a recessed vulva could predispose a dog to getting perivulvar pyoderma). Here's where the answer becomes less black and white. A recessed vulva is not a condition that I would call genetic. While genes play a role in the shape of the vulva, it is not something I would call a genetic defect such as an umbilical hernia or cryptorchidism. But, a dog's genes will determine their body shape - this is why some dogs will have longer legs than others or a bigger head than others. Chloe's genes, which of course, were inherited from her mother and father, are in some ways responsible for her shape. But, there are other factors such as her weight, and whether she was spayed at a very young age.

I have actually spent a fair amount of time researching this answer for you as I wanted to get a more concrete answer for you. I searched on Veterinary Information Network (VIN) where vets talk about questions exactly like this one and the general consensus among vets was that this condition would not be considered hereditary.

I really hope everything works out ok.


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Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks Dawn. I'd love for you to link to my site! If you're having issues with Paypal, drop me an email at info@askavetquestion.com and we'll figure it out for you.

Looking forward to talking in the future,
Dr. Marie.