We are here to help

Episioplasty

Episioplasty in Columbus, OH

Episioplasty Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Columbus, OH

Welcome to Northwest Animal Hospital, your trusted partner for advanced pet surgical care in Columbus. Our experienced veterinary team delivers compassionate, expert episioplasty procedures to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

Understanding Episioplasty

Episioplasty, also called vulvoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin folds around a female pet's vulva. This extra tissue can cause serious health problems, including painful infections and chronic irritation.

Many pets develop excess skin folds due to genetics, body shape, or age-related changes. These folds trap moisture and bacteria, making repeated urinary tract infections, discomfort, and skin inflammation more likely. Affected pets may also experience pain while urinating or licking at the area frequently.

Our veterinary professionals at Northwest Animal Hospital perform episioplasty to resolve these issues for dogs and cats in Columbus. The goal of this procedure is to restore healthy anatomy, making the area easier to keep clean and reducing the risk of chronic infection.

By focusing on pet comfort and surgical excellence, our team helps your pet recover quickly and enjoy a better quality of life after their episioplasty. We serve Columbus and surrounding communities with state-of-the-art surgical care.

What to Expect During Episioplasty Surgery

When you bring your pet to Northwest Animal Hospital for episioplasty in Columbus, you can feel confident knowing their safety, comfort, and well-being are our top priorities. Our veterinary team takes every step to ensure you fully understand the procedure and are comfortable with your pet’s care plan.

Initial Assessment and Consultation

Our veterinarians begin with a thorough physical exam and history review. We discuss your pet's symptoms, examine the affected area, and confirm whether episioplasty is appropriate. Dr. Hollenbach may also recommend diagnostic tests to rule out any underlying infections or conditions before surgery.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Your pet’s health and safety come first. Before surgery, we run bloodwork and any recommended diagnostics to assess anesthetic risk. Our team creates a custom anesthesia plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. All surgical patients receive pre-operative pain control and gentle, Fear Free handling at every step.

The Episioplasty Procedure

The veterinary surgeon carefully removes the excess skin folds to expose the vulva fully. This eliminates areas where bacteria can hide and infection can start. Northwest Animal Hospital uses modern surgical equipment and techniques that prioritize surgical precision, resulting in effective outcomes and minimal discomfort for your pet.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following surgery, your pet is monitored in our recovery area until fully awake. We keep your pet as comfortable as possible using advanced pain management and Fear Free strategies. You’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions including monitoring tips, activity restrictions, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Most pets heal quickly and experience significant relief from their previous symptoms.

Why Episioplasty is Important for Your Pet

Untreated skin folds around the vulva can cause chronic pain, skin infections, and recurring urinary tract infections. These conditions reduce your pet’s ability to enjoy everyday activities and can lead to long-term health risks if not addressed.

Episioplasty surgery greatly reduces these risks by improving the structure of the skin and vulva. It helps your pet stay clean, comfortable, and healthy.

Preventive surgical care like episioplasty can dramatically improve both the daily quality of life and long-term health of your pet in Columbus.

Relief from Chronic Discomfort

Episioplasty relieves pain, itching, and frequent licking caused by trapped moisture and infection. This allows your pet to return to normal routines and enjoy greater comfort every day.

Reduced Risk of Infection

By removing excess folds, this surgery makes it easier to keep the vulva clean and dry. This greatly decreases the likelihood of urinary tract infections and ongoing skin issues.

Improved Quality of Life

Many pets with chronic vaginal folds regain confidence and activity levels after surgery. Restoring healthy anatomy allows for easier hygiene and enhances overall well-being.

Signs Your Pet May Need Episioplasty

Knowing when your dog or cat might need episioplasty can help you address the problem before it leads to further complications. Common signs that your pet may benefit from episioplasty include:

  • Frequent licking or chewing at the vulva area
  • Strong odor or visible discharge near the vulva
  • Repeated urinary tract infections or straining to urinate
  • Red, swollen, or irritated skin folds around the vulva
  • Pain or discomfort when sitting, walking, or urinating

If you notice any of these signs, our veterinary professionals at Northwest Animal Hospital encourage you to contact our team. Timely care can prevent ongoing discomfort, reduce infection risk, and protect your pet’s long-term health.

How Often Should Your Pet Receive Episioplasty?

Episioplasty is a one-time surgical procedure for pets with excessive vulvar folds. Most patients will not need the surgery more than once. However, early consultation is important since waiting can lead to more serious complications.

Some breeds, such as Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and other dogs with skin folds, are more prone to developing this condition. Age, weight, and prior infections may also influence your pet’s risk.

Our veterinarians at Northwest Animal Hospital offer personalized recommendations based on your pet's breed, age, and medical history. If you have concerns, schedule a consultation to discuss whether episioplasty is the right choice for your pet in Columbus.

Practice Highlights

Northwest Animal Hospital stands out as a compassionate, Fear Free Certified veterinary provider for episioplasty in Columbus, OH. Your pet’s comfort, safety, and health always come first with our team.

  • Fear Free Certified Practice: Every surgical visit is designed to minimize stress and anxiety for your pet.
  • Cat Friendly Certification: Special handling and dedicated spaces ensure a calm, safe environment for feline patients.
  • Experienced Surgical Care: Dr. Hollenbach leads our team, providing high-level surgical expertise and individual attention for every patient.
  • Personalized Service: Our small, close-knit team focuses on creating a personable, supportive experience for pets and their families.
  • Same-Day Urgent Appointments: We offer walk-in visits on select days and prioritize urgent surgical needs whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery time for episioplasty in dogs and cats?

Most pets recover well from episioplasty, with visible healing in 10 to 14 days. Northwest Animal Hospital provides detailed aftercare instructions and support for an easy recovery in Columbus.

How much does episioplasty surgery cost?

The cost of episioplasty varies depending on your pet's individual needs. We recommend calling (614) 451-4772 for a customized estimate and to discuss your pet’s specific situation.

How should I prepare my pet for episioplasty surgery?

Our veterinary team will provide you with full pre-surgical instructions. Typically, this means withholding food after midnight and bringing your pet to Northwest Animal Hospital in the morning. We welcome your questions about how to ensure your pet is comfortable before surgery.

What conditions does episioplasty treat or prevent?

Episioplasty treats chronic skin folds, recurring urinary tract infections, and skin inflammation in female pets. It’s also preventive, helping keep infections and discomfort from returning.

How do I schedule an episioplasty or consultation?

Scheduling is simple. Call our team or use our online scheduler to book your pet’s consultation. We’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8am–6pm, Friday 8am–5pm, and select Saturdays 8am–1pm. Northwest Animal Hospital is conveniently located at 1071 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, OH 43220, just across from FedEx.

Schedule Your Pet's Episioplasty Appointment Today

Take the next step to improve your pet’s health and comfort. Call Northwest Animal Hospital at (614) 451-4772 to schedule an episioplasty consultation or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 1071 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, OH 43220, conveniently located across from FedEx. Our hours make it easy for busy families, with walk-in and urgent care appointments available.