My unspayed dog has a vulva infection. What treatment is best?

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is likely the best treatment. If the infection is limited to the reproductive tract, then removing the organ is the most efficient way of removing the problem. This surgery shouldn't lead to spread of infection if done properly since the uterus is removed completely without needing to cut into it.

If there is a discolored discharge, then she will need to see a vet. If there is an infected uterus, antibiotics keep it at bay but generally do not clear it completely. Often times surgery to spay her is indicated along with antibiotics. IF it goes untreated it can make her very ill and be life threatening.

Yes, this looks like a bacterial infection of her vulva and this would require antibiotic treatment, If there is also a discharge from the vulva she also may have a uterine infection, therefore I suggest you take her to your veterinarian for an exam.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear your pet is having an issue. By vaginal infection, I am unsure if you mean she is having vaginitis, a urinary tract infection or even a uterine infection (also called a pyometra). If she is having repeat UTIs it is a good idea to have her urine cultured and also to do some imaging diagnostics like X-rays and even an ultrasound. If she is not spayed and the infection is coming from her uterus it is very important to have her spayed as this will resolve the issue. If your veterinarian is unsure as to where the infection is coming from then the next step is urine culture and an ultrasound. In some cases a resistant bacteria is present and the culture will help rule that out. An ultrasound will help determine if there are any complicating factors like bladder inflammation, bladder stones or even cancer. More information provided by you may help us make additional suggestions. I hope this helps clear some things up for you!

Licking and biting excessively at the vulva is often a sign of a urinary tract infection, vaginitis, or certain types of allergies. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do at home to treat any of these problems effectively, so I would recommend taking her to the vet tomorrow for an exam if possible - she will probably need prescription antibiotics or other medication to treat the problem.

Your poor pup! If she isn't spayed, I would be very concerned that she has a pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that is fatal without treatment, and it would cause a white discharge as well as vomiting. It sounds like your vet may have been suspicious she had a pyometra and tried treating it medically with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately the medical route often isn't successful, and surgery is needed to treat it. This means spaying her. I would take her back into the vet immediately, as this is a medical emergency. Best of luck.

If your dog has pyometra or infected uterus this is need for immediate emergency surgery to spay and remove the infected uterus. The vet may stabilize with medications and fluids if sick but surgery should not be delayed more than needed to make sure she is stable.