Dog Hymen

Dog Hymen

Before copulation can be started, it is sometimes necessary to insert an instrument to break the hymen. This is not often present in bitches, but in certain strains of most breeds, it is a constant feature. If a male cannot insert his penis far enough to become tied, an examination should be made. About two inches inside the vagina vertical web of tissue across the opening can be felt and ruptured by cutting.

The presence of intact hymen in dogs is quite but some dogs do have them. The hymen is a membrane that separates the vestibule and the vagina. If the hymen is intact no fluid can reach the uterus. The hymen of the dog breaks after a session of copulation. But in many dogs, the hymen gets torn due to physical exercise. Many diseases can occur in the region of the hymen. The following are the types of diseases that can develop near the hymen of the dog.

Dog Hymen Diseases

The differentiation of the diseases occurring in the vagina, vulva, and vestibules is extremely difficult.

Vaginitis – The disease is characterized by inflammation of the vagina. You also find vaginal discharge apart from the estrus. The discharge would also be seen with increased levels of neutrophils. The affected vagina would also undergo some developments that would be easily recognized. Recent studies have also revealed that the abnormalities in the urinary tract are also due to the occurrence of vestibulospinal stenosis. The potential causes behind the development of vaginitis are infection, immaturity of the bitch, urine chemical irritation, and feeling of mechanical irritation due to the development of the polyps or the tumor in the region. Vaginitis can also develop due to birth defects like anatomical abnormalities.

Primary Vaginitis – Primary vaginitis quite rarely occurs. It mainly occurs among puppies or pubertal female dogs. It is produced due to the natural defense of the vagina. This disease gets disappeared with time. Just before estrus, the intensity of the disease gets reduced on its own. The exact cause behind the development of the disease has not been medically determined but it has been found that the disease takes place because of the colonization of certain types of bacteria in the vaginal area causing inflammation. The bacteria get destroyed when the protective factors of the vagina develop.

Bacteria and Virus in Vagina

There is several bacteria that colonize and grow in the vaginal area and cause several diseases. The bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and intermediates are the common types that are found in the vagina of the bitches. The bacteria known as the Brucella crisis causes the disease called bacterial endometritis and vaginitis. Aerobic bacteria in vagin cause reproductive disorders. The diseases like candidiasis though rare among dogs occur due to the intrusion of fungus. Secondary vaginitis or post-pubertal vaginitis is due to the result of many conditions. Some studies have shown that abnormalities in the vulva may also lead to the development of secondary vaginitis.

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