Episioplasty at age 11?

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Sheltiemomma

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Has anyone had an episioplasty done on their Sheltie?
My almost 11 year old has been having nasty infections in her nether regions for a little over a year now - one time e-coli, another time another type of bacteria, etc. Treated with different types of antibiotics, creams, ointments, but to no avail, eventually the infection comes back leaving her black & crusty in the area around her vulva. My vet is now recommending surgery to repair an anatomical defect (episioplasty) around her vulva. Basically he said she has an extra fold of skin which is trapping urine and giving her these infections. He said she should be fine undergoing this type of surgery, I'm just a little nervous given her age. While she's under anesthesia she also needs some dentistry/cleaning done as well as having a pretty large fatty tumor removed from her side. Vet said she will be under for less than 2 hours. Just looking for some feedback and comments about your experience with this type of surgery. Thanks!
 
I'm so sorry you and your little girl are going through such a rough time. I'm sorry, I don't have any experience in this. Prayers and happy thoughts for you both, keep us updated.:hugs
 
Poor baby! I'm surely no expert but...

My first Sheltie, Jake (not to be confused with my current Sheltie Jake) underwent tumor removal and dental surgery in one session at about the same age, it surely made the rest of his years more comfortable/healthy.

Of course at that age they do pre-op blood work to make sure the patient will tolerate anesthesia -- you have to either believe in the science or go crazy, right?

I have no experience with episioplasty, but it doesn't sound deeply invasive. The question I would ask is, what are the worst-case consequences if this procedure goes wrong?

Decisions to incur risk trying to make something better are always hard; I try my best to keep the doggy's best interest at heart, when faced with them.

Best of luck, hope everything goes well!
 
If it were my decision, I would be thinking of the trade-off between repeated infections and surgery. I know I'd opt for surgery, definitely.
 
Just make sure they do the surgery with IV on board. I don't like the sound of 2 hours on an 11 year old dog but I guess they feel she is okay for it.
 
Our vet just recommended that for Gracie; she had kidney stones and just got checkup and xray and is free of those but she scoots her butt on the floor after being outside to pee, and you can just tell it itches, burns, bothers her. She keeps getting UTI's because the urine gets trapped. She is only 2 1/2 so we are going to have the procedure done to keep her from having problems with this all her life and we don't have to wipe her every time she pees!
 
It's also called a vuloplasty. A tech I work with just had it done on her pittbull. Only took about 45 min total and about 6-7 stitches she had to have removed. As long as they run blood work to check her levels and organs, I would opt for the procedure.

Good luck to your sweet girl :)
 
The older they get the more scary things become, but I think your vet has it right. Lucky is 12, and I would be thinking the same as you, at the same time I would have to listen to the vet on what I should do about the situation.

Our very best wishes on great results with all positive thoughts.
 
Ally had her toe amputated in May for a cancerous tumor and she is 11. She came through with flying colors. Definitely preop lab work is a must, to check out her liver and kidney function.

I too in this case would opt for surgery - repeated infections are no fun and you don't want to dose your dog with antibiotics constantly.

We always hold our breath a little when the girls are put under but in general it's pretty safe. They monitor them a lot more now then they used to; equipment/techniques have come a long way.

BTW, Ally will go under again in Dec to remove an eyelid growth that is rubbing on her eye, she will also have a dental done. I feel pretty confident about it.
 
Meggie had it done last year, she was four and it went smoothly and healed quickly. No more infections since!
 
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