First Aid Management for a dog with vaginal prolapse

A dog with prolapsed vaginal tissues would be a gruesome sight as this health concern would cause the swollen vaginal tissues that cannot be contained within the vagina to spill out and appear like a donut or lifesaver protruding from the vaginal lips. This condition is most common in young and unspayed dogs. Vaginal prolapse is often seen in Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Mastiffs, GSDs, St. Bernard and in other large dog breeds.

The exaggerated swelling of the vaginal lining is primarily influenced by estrogen stimulation. Estrogen stimulation occurs during the dog\’s estrus cycle. The swollen vaginal tissues would no longer fit within the vagina. This will cause the entire vaginal walls to spill out so that the tissue will be exposed. Vaginal prolapse is a condition common in some breeds of dogs. Constipation would cause the dog to strain and vaginal prolapse can develop because of prolonged straining. Prolonged straining caused by a difficult labor can result to vaginal prolapse. Forcefully separating mating dogs can seriously affect the vaginal mucosa so that it would spill from the vagina into the vulva.

Symptoms of vaginal prolapsed would be easily apparent because the mass of tissue protruding from the dog\’s vagina. The discomfort will entice the dog to persistently lick the vulva. Serious cases of vaginal prolapse will prevent the dog from urinating and from being mated. This situation is very serious especially if the dog is pregnant as the mass that blocks the vagina will prevent the puppies from being born. A C-section will be necessary to save the dam\’s and the puppies\’ lives.

Dog owners can initially treat the pet at home. The dog owner first aid measures must be geared towards preventing the dog from continuously licking the mass protruding from the vagina. To ward off infection; the mass must be cleaned with saline wash. Apply anti-inflammatory ointments and lubricating jelly to the protruding mass. Injuries to the protruding tissues must be prevented thus the dog must not be allowed to lie on rough surfaces.

Doggie diapers and Elizabethan collars can be used to prevent the dog from licking the affected area. Vaginal prolapsed is not an emergency situation unless the blockages is preventing the dog from urinating. However, if the mass is already creating a blockage, the dog would need urgent medical attention. Dogs with vaginal prolapse commonly need hormone therapy and a urinary catheter is used to allow the dog to empty the bladder. Surgery may be necessary if the protruding tissues are damaged.

Find out more about dog first aid at Sarah\’s Dogs.

First Aid Management for a dog with vaginal prolapse