Our pets bring joy and companionship into our lives, but as responsible pet owners, we must also be attuned to their health needs, no matter how delicate the subject may be.
One such concern that demands our attention are prolapses. This condition, while unsettling to think about, requires awareness, understanding, and prompt veterinary intervention. In this article, we will delve into the world of prolapses in pets, shedding light on what they are, the causes, and the crucial steps pet owners should take when faced with this alarming health issue. Understanding prolapses is the first step in ensuring the well-being of our beloved animal companions.
A prolapse occurs when an organ or tissue that should be internal is protruding outside the body. The most common prolapses are rectal, uterine, vaginal, urethral or cloacal in birds and reptiles. When this occurs, pet owners notice something pink protruding from their pet’s privates, and they should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Each type of prolapse has a different cause and varied treatments, but all require prompt medical attention. Any delay in treatment will cause damage to the tissue, which may be irreparable. As time progresses, the tissue begins to die, consequently making successful repair much less likely. For this reason, if a prolapse is discovered over a weekend, owners should proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
A rectal prolapse is when the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine, is protruding outside the anus. This can occur after straining during bowel movements due to constipation, chronic diarrhea, or even an intestinal blockage.
A uterine prolapse is when the uterus drops through the cervix, into the vaginal canal, and sometimes protrudes outside the body. This condition only occurs in un-spayed female pets.
Vaginal prolapses occur when swollen vaginal tissue protrudes through the vulva. This occurs in un-spayed females, most commonly during the heat cycle. This swollen tissue may resemble a donut shaped mass.
Urethra prolapse occurs in unneutered male dogs. It appears as a red mass protruding from the tip of the penis. It is most commonly caused by excessive sexual activity or arousal, urinary tract infections, or urethral stones.
Birds and reptiles have one single opening called a cloacal (commonly referred to as a vent). A cloacal prolapse occurs when the internal tissue from the cloacal is protruding outside the body. It most frequently occurs in birds from being egg bound. In reptiles, the cause is usually from being egg bound or from blockages. Sadly, in both cases, husbandry issues are frequently the cause.
When faced with a pet experiencing a prolapse, it is crucial to get to a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can assess the severity of the prolapse, the cause, and recommend treatments. Once the physical examination has been completed, your veterinarian may recommend other diagnostics such as x-rays to look for a blockage, ultrasound, or lab work to check the pet’s overall wellbeing.
In cases of mild prolapse, reduction may be possible. This means that the veterinarian uses medication and manual manipulation to return the tissue to its appropriate internal location. When reduction is not possible, surgical intervention will be necessary. During surgery, the veterinarian will replace the prolapse and address the underlying causes if needed (for example, spaying, neutering, egg removal, or removal of blockages).
Once the prolapse has been resolved, medical management will be needed. Depending on the specific circumstances, medications may be needed to prevent infection, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation. Follow up visits will be necessary to monitor the pet’s recovery, since prolapses can reoccur during this time. Additionally, in birds and reptiles, your veterinarian will also address husbandry concerns, since this is most often the cause. Housing, bedding, or dietary changes may be needed.
Dealing with a prolapse in a beloved pet can be emotionally challenging, but understanding the condition may make it a bit less scary. Seeking immediate professional veterinary care is crucial to improving the chances of a positive outcome. Your veterinarian will play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing reoccurrence. This will help in ensuring the health and well-being of your beloved pet.
As responsible pet owners, it is important to stay informed, observe pets closely, and get prompt medical attention when unusual symptoms arise. With the prompt attention of an attentive owner, and immediate medical care from a skilled veterinarian, pets can usually recover from a prolapse and continue bringing joy to their family for years to come.
Dr. Kaitlen Lawton-Betchel grew up in Lemoore, CA. She is an alumni of West Hills College and Fresno Pacific University. She obtained her veterinary doctorate degree from Midwestern University in Arizona. She practices out of Karing for Kreatures Veterinary Hospital in Lemoore.
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