Vaginal septa in dogs: 15 cases (1983-1992)

Medical records of 15 dogs with vaginal septa, examined between April 1983 and December 1992, were reviewed. Overall prevalence of vaginal septation at the hospital during the study period was 0.03%. Thirteen breeds were represented; mean age at the time of initial examination was 2.4 years. Owners' original complaints included inability to breed naturally, dysuria, urinary incontinence, infertility, recurrent vaginitis, ambiguous external genitalia, and dystocia. One dog did not have clinical signs associated with the vaginal septum. In 11 of the 15 dogs, the septum could be palpated during digital vaginal examination. The septum could be seen in 6 of the 7 dogs in which vaginoscopy was performed. Twelve of the 15 dogs underwent positive-contrast vaginography; in all 12, the septum could be easily seen. Four of the 15 dogs underwent removal of the septum, with or without episiotomy, and 4 others were ovariohysterectomized. One dog was bred by means of artificial insemination and became pregnant. The remaining 6 dogs were lost to follow-up.