Torah's Recessed Vulva

[jennzack]

Hi, I have a 9 month old GSD that was chosen to be one of are breeding dams for working class k9's. I recently learned that she has a recessed vulva. She has no infection and has had her first heat with some but not full correction. I have researched an spoken with many experianced breeders and they say this can help correct the problem. Is this correct? My vet is unsure, my number one priority is the health of my dogs and if there is a way to correct and have her a 100% safe and healthy puppies and unharmed male (we own the stud as well) etc... then only will I feel comfortable. Please share your thoughts, I am greatly thankful for the help

Jenn

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

This is a common problem.  

I would wait until she is at least 18 months of age or until she has had at least 3 heat cycles before breeding.   The additional heat cycles should take care of the recessed vulva due to the hormonal stimulation of that area.  If not, giving birth will.  

For any pregnancy with any dog it is best to make sure that you anticipate all possible birth complications.  Please set up for a possible cesarean section with your veterinarian.  Your vet should also be able to assess your dog's vulva when she is near her due date for abnormalities.

Anything that will not allow the puppies to pass through the birth canal normally for any pregnancy for any species could be a problem and this too should be addressed with your veterinarian prior to or during the birth process.

[jennzack]

Thank you so much for the assistance. I have had 2 experianced breeders (one with 40 yrs on GSD) whom said basiclly the same and she has seen Torah's vulva. She commented that it was okay to breed her later. I have other dams in our pack and we never bred until 4th heat.The second person is my whelping nurse, she said her suggestion was to spay do to the risk of piometra. I have also shown her to our holistic vet (we have two vets for two opinions) and we raw feed with vitamins and minerals included. She assist in their  nutritional balances. She said yes as well but the risk for infection is there. Our number one concern is Torahs health. Could we x-ray or ultrasound if its posible prior to breeding to ensure she is "put together right" lol. I am sorry for all the questions, and I am always conversing with "sport & show dog ppl" that have much more years in than myself. I refuse though to put Torah at risk of anything that could injure her later. I thank you in advance and value you sharing your wisdom,

Jennifer Hartman
Healthy Hartman Puppies