Short-term "double natural orifice catheterization": Nonoperative management of hydrocolpos in persistent cloaca patients - case series

Treatment of a Congenital Imperforate Vestibulovaginal Junction and Secondary Hydrocolpos With Endoscopic Laser Ablation in Two Dogs

Two dogs were evaluated for clinical signs including dysuria, stranguria, and/or dyschezia. Physical examination findings were consistent with a caudal abdominal and intra-pelvic mass. Imaging with abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a tubular fluid-filled structure. In 1 dog computed tomography identified the fluid-filled structure to be the vagina and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic evaluation of the urogenital tracts identified imperforate vaginas in both dogs, and endoscopic-guided laser ablation was used to create a vaginal opening into the vestibule. Initial response to treatment was positive in both dogs, although 1 dog developed a recurrence of hydrocolpos 1-month after treatment. Endoscopic laser ablation provided a minimally invasive option for opening an imperforate vagina and no procedural complications occurred. Further evaluation is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.