Complete vaginectomy via a ventral approach with pelvic osteotomy in a cat

A 6-year-old, intact female, domestic short-hair cat had a 3-month history of obstipation. On physical examination and diagnostic imaging, megacolon secondary to a large, intrapelvic vaginal mass was diagnosed. An ovariohysterectomy and a complete vaginectomy via a ventral midline celiotomy and bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies were performed. This approach allowed excellent exposure of the entire genital tract necessary to excise the large vaginal mass. The mass was histologically diagnosed as a vaginal fibrous stromal polyp. Obstipation resolved 12 h after surgery. On radiographic recheck 11 d after surgery, the colon had returned to normal size. No major surgical complications were observed. This is the first case report of a complete vaginectomy via the ventral approach with a pelvic osteotomy in a cat. Furthermore, this report describes the different surgical techniques used in animals affected by a large vaginal mass and provides evidence that an aggressive surgical approach and en-bloc excision can be considered for the management of extensive intrapelvic vaginal masses in cats.