Episioplasty / Vulvoplasty Surgery for Dogs

Outpatient surgery to help pets with recessed vulva-related irritation, infections, or hygiene concerns.

At Spay Neuter Vets, we offer episioplasty, also known as vulvoplasty, for dogs whose vulvar anatomy may be contributing to chronic irritation, moisture trapping, skin fold infections, or recurring urinary issues.

This procedure removes excess skin folds around the vulva to improve airflow, reduce trapped moisture, and help make the area easier to keep clean. For the right candidate, episioplasty can improve comfort and help reduce recurring irritation related to a recessed or hooded vulva.

Our goal is to help clients understand when this surgery may be appropriate, what it can and cannot fix, and what to expect during recovery.

What Is an Episioplasty / Vulvoplasty?

An episioplasty, or vulvoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin folds around the vulva.

Some dogs have a vulva that sits recessed or tucked under surrounding skin. This can trap moisture, urine, bacteria, and debris, which may lead to skin irritation, odor, licking, discomfort, or recurring infections.

The goal of surgery is to improve the anatomy around the vulva so the area is more open, cleaner, and less prone to trapped moisture and irritation.

Why Would My Dog Need an Episioplasty?

Episioplasty may be recommended when a dog’s vulvar anatomy is contributing to ongoing irritation or hygiene problems.

Common reasons may include:

• Recessed or hooded vulva

• Skin folds trapping moisture around the vulva

• Chronic licking or irritation

• Redness, odor, or discharge around the vulvar area

• Recurrent skin fold infections

• Recurrent urinary tract infections where anatomy may be a contributing factor

• Difficulty keeping the area clean and dry

This procedure is not simply cosmetic. For many dogs, the goal is improved comfort, hygiene, and reduced recurrence of irritation related to the skin folds around the vulva.

How Does This Surgery Help?

When excess skin folds cover or partially cover the vulva, the area can stay warm and moist. That environment can make it easier for irritation, bacteria, odor, and infection to develop.

Episioplasty helps by removing the excess fold tissue around the vulva. This can improve airflow, reduce moisture trapping, and make the area easier to keep clean.

For many appropriate candidates, one surgery is corrective.

Important Expectations Before Surgery

We believe clients deserve clear expectations before scheduling.

Episioplasty can be very helpful for the right patient, but timing and case selection matter. If a dog is borderline and not fully grown, we may recommend waiting before surgery. As a young dog matures, the skin and surrounding anatomy may change, and the area may become less recessed over time.

If your dog has an active urinary tract infection, that infection will need to be treated separately. Surgery may help reduce anatomy-related irritation or recurrence risk, but it does not replace medical treatment for an active UTI.

Is My Dog a Candidate?

Episioplasty may be appropriate for dogs who:

• Have a recessed or hooded vulva

• Have excess skin folds around the vulvar area

• Have recurring irritation, moisture, odor, or licking

• Have recurrent infections where anatomy may be contributing

• Are full grown or developed enough for accurate surgical planning

• Are healthy enough for outpatient anesthesia

• Have been reviewed and approved by our surgical team

If your dog is young, still growing, or only mildly affected, our team may recommend monitoring or waiting before moving forward.

What to Expect With Us

Our goal is to make the process clear, respectful, and organized from the beginning.

Before Surgery

You will submit your dog’s information, photos if requested, and any relevant medical history. If your dog has had urinary tract infections, skin infections, antibiotics, urine testing, or previous treatment, please include those records when available.

Our team will review your dog’s anatomy, age, symptoms, and medical history to determine whether episioplasty appears appropriate for our outpatient surgical center.

On Surgery Day

Your dog will be checked in by our team, placed under anesthesia, and monitored during surgery and recovery. The surgeon will remove excess skin folds around the vulva and close the area with sutures.

After Surgery

You will receive detailed discharge instructions, including activity restriction, incision monitoring, e-collar use, medication guidance, and cleanliness instructions.

Your dog will need to return for suture removal around 10 days after surgery.

Recovery After Episioplasty

Recovery after episioplasty requires careful incision protection and cleanliness.

Recovery usually includes:

• Strict e-collar use

• Preventing licking, chewing, or rubbing at the incision

• Keeping the area clean and dry

• Activity restriction

• Monitoring for swelling, redness, discharge, bleeding, odor, or incision opening

• Giving all medications as directed

• Returning for suture removal around 10 days after surgery

Because the incision is located near the vulva, cleanliness is very important. Urine, moisture, licking, or debris can interfere with healing and increase the risk of irritation or infection.

Keeping the Area Clean After Surgery

After surgery, the incision area needs to stay as clean and dry as possible.

This may include:

• Checking the incision daily

• Keeping bedding clean

• Preventing licking with an e-collar

• Avoiding baths, swimming, or wet grass during healing

• Cleaning only as directed by our team

• Contacting us if you notice discharge, odor, swelling, bleeding, or opening of the incision

Good aftercare is a major part of successful healing.

Pricing & Estimates

Episioplasty pricing can vary depending on your dog’s size, anatomy, medical history, whether the procedure is performed on its own or with another surgery, and whether any additional care is recommended based on age, infection history, or surgical complexity.

Our team is happy to provide a clear estimate before scheduling so you understand the expected cost and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between episioplasty and vulvoplasty?

The terms are often used to describe the same type of procedure. Both refer to surgery that removes excess skin folds around the vulva to improve exposure, airflow, and hygiene.

Why would my dog need this surgery?

This surgery may be recommended if your dog has a recessed or hooded vulva that traps moisture, urine, or debris and contributes to irritation, licking, odor, skin infections, or recurring urinary issues.

Is this a cosmetic surgery?

No. The goal is functional. Episioplasty is performed to improve comfort, hygiene, airflow, and reduce moisture trapping around the vulva.

Will this fix my dog’s urinary tract infection?

No. If your dog has an active UTI, that infection needs to be treated separately. Episioplasty may help reduce anatomy-related contributing factors, but it does not replace medical treatment for infection.

Should my dog wait until she is fully grown?

Sometimes, yes. If your dog is borderline and still growing, we may recommend waiting because the skin and surrounding anatomy may change as she matures.

Is one surgery usually enough?

For appropriate candidates, one surgery is usually corrective.

Will my dog need stitches removed?

Yes. Your dog will need to return for suture removal around 10 days after surgery.

Can this be done with a spay?

In some cases, yes. If your dog is not already spayed, episioplasty may be performed at the same time as spay surgery when appropriate.

What is recovery like?

Recovery requires strict e-collar use, activity restriction, keeping the area clean and dry, and preventing licking or chewing. The incision is near the vulva, so cleanliness is especially important.

How do I know if my dog is a good candidate?

Submit an episioplasty appointment request and include medical history, photos if requested, and any records related to UTIs or skin infections. Our team will review your dog’s information and help determine whether this procedure may be appropriate.

Request an Episioplasty Appointment

Episioplasty can help improve comfort and hygiene for dogs with recessed vulva-related irritation, moisture trapping, or recurring infections. Our team is here to help you understand the procedure, recovery expectations, and whether your dog may be a good candidate for outpatient surgery.