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My dog has a hooded vulva and recurring UTIs. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 16 days old | 13 lbs

Riley has a UTI and has a hooded vulva, she has been on antibiotics pretty much since we picked her up at 8 weeks, it doesn't go away what can we do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 1st, 2017

If a UTI is not resolving with typical antibiotic therapy, it's time to do a urine culture to determine a.) the specific bacteria that is causing the infection and b.) the exact antibiotic and dosage necessary to resolve it. If a urine culture has been performed and the infection is still not going away, I would suggest using baby wipes on Riley after she urinates, in order to remove as much urine and debris from the vulva as possible. It also may be necessary to put her in an e-collar (cone) until the infection resolves, as licking may be complicating recovery as well.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If Riley has a hooded vulva, there is surgery that can be done to correct this problem. The surgery is called an episoplasty (or vulvoplasty), and it removes the excess folds of skin that cover the vulva. Having this hooded vulva can make her more prone to UTIs, so having this surgery may help stop the recurring UTIs she is experiencing. I would speak to your vet about dong an episioplasty.

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