Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/23/2007

Question
My yorkie is 6 years old.  I have taken her to the vet this past
Saturday because her vulva was all swollen and very red.  She is not licking
or scratching.

At the vet the did a cytology and told me that Gabriella has a vaginal
infection.  I asked what was the cause and the vet's answer was
anything can cause a vaginal infection.  I asked if it is the same as a yeast
infection his replied was "not".  The vet then came back with a bottle
to treat her and gave me the following:

Clorhexadine Topical Flush (to use in the affected area twice daily)
I don't see any improvement her vulva is more red today than it was
before I was using this product.

Is Chlorhexadine and Chlorhexiderm the same product?

Can I put on my yorkie's vulva the cream that women use when they have
a yeast infecction?  Or do I need to take her to an specialist?

I love my dog so much and I want to have the best care for her.  Can
you help.  

Answer
Dogs to not get Candida yeast infections like women do, so using an antifungal drug will not help.  The chlorhexidine is an excellent choice to kill both bacteria and yeasts.  I don't think Chlorhexiderm contains chlorhexidine.  They changed it several years ago. If the vulva is still swollen, it may be because the dog is licking it.  Ask the vet to give her either a shot of some cortisone to relieve the itch and take down the swelling or use a steroid creme on the vulva.  The problem with cremes is thatt hey lick them off.  Also, I would have her urine checked for infection.