A vulvar wattle is an epithelial structure that may resemble a small bull penis and is suspended from the dorsolateral wall of the vestibule in an occasional heifer. It may protrude from the vulva. Surgical removal is straightforward but does require a ligature at its base because it usually has an active central artery. Owners mistakenly think that their animal is a hermaphrodite. The dorsal location readily distinguishes it from the clitoris which is present as normal in the ventral commissure of the vulva. The wattle does not affect the fertility of the animal.

Vulvar wattle in a Holstein calf

Credit: Drost M (personal collection)

Digital Credit: Maarten Drost

Publisher: None

Rights: Name must appear as a credit whenever the image is used -

Description: A vulvar wattle is an epithelial structure that may resemble a small bull penis and is suspended from the dorsolateral wall of the vestibule in an occasional heifer. It may protrude from the vulva. Surgical removal is straightforward but does require a ligature at its base because it usually has an active central artery. Owners mistakenly think that their animal is a hermaphrodite. The dorsal location readily distinguishes it from the clitoris which is present as normal in the ventral commissure of the vulva. The wattle does not affect the fertility of the animal.

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Vulvar wattle in a Holstein calf

Credit: Drost M (personal collection)

Digital Credit: Maarten Drost

Publisher: None