What is Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area?
If your dog has a mass extending from her vaginal area, she may have vaginal prolapse. This is caused by the swelling of your dog’s vaginal tissues, usually more common in young dogs that have not been spayed and in certain breeds. It can be quite serious, and requires medical attention. There are three stages of vaginal prolapse, of which stage III is the most serious and may needs surgery. This disorder can also mimic a tumor and should always be checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible to rule it out.
A mass protrusion from the vaginal area (canine vaginal prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia) can be described as vaginal tissue protruding from the vulva, commonly caused by edema (fluid retention) from estrogen produced in estrus (when your dog is in heat). There are three stages of mass protrusions from the vaginal area, which are Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III.
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Symptoms of Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs
The symptoms of canine vaginal prolapse depend on the stage your dog has.
Stage I
- Trouble with urination
- Excessive licking in the genital area
- Whining when urinating
- Refusal to mate
- Pain in genital area
- Slight discharge
Stage II
- Protrusion from genital area
- Difficulty urinating
- Scratching and licking in the genital area
- Red and inflamed genital area
- Refusing to mate
- Pain in the genital area
- Vaginal discharge
Stage III
- Large, protruding mass in the genital area
- Difficulty walking
- Refusal to mate
- Extreme pain in the genital area
- Excessive scratching and licking the genital area
- Inability to sit
- Difficult urination
- Vaginal discharge
Types
Stage I and II vaginal prolapse can include a vaginal protrusion that can become inflamed and cause pain and infection. This condition needs medical treatment.
Stage III vaginal prolapse is when the vaginal protrusion is extreme and you should go to the veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. It is also essential to let the veterinarian rule out cancer before treatment.
Causes of Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs
- Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to vaginal prolapse. These breeds are German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, English, Bulldogs, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, Walker Hounds, and Airedale Terriers
- Urination problems (kidney stones, kidney failure)
- Chronic constipation
- Recent difficult labor
- Interruption of mating process
- Young dogs that are not spayed
Diagnosis of Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs
Your dog’s veterinarian will need a complete medical background and descriptions of the symptoms you have noticed in your dog. The veterinarian will also do a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the genital area and protrusion. Some tests may be needed to rule out other medical disorders:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Bacterial culture
- Fungal culture
- Vaginal swab
- Urinalysis
- Biopsy to rule out cancer
Treatment of Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs
The treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the stage. There may be no treatment necessary for stage I unless your dog is having difficulty urinating or if your dog seems to be in extreme discomfort. Your veterinarian may decide to put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to stop her from licking herself, which can make the vaginal prolapse worse. The veterinarian may also give your dog hormone treatments to help prevent vaginal prolapse from happening again.
If your dog has stage II vaginal prolapse, your veterinarian may manually push the mass back into place. If the protrusion does not stay in place, the veterinarian may decide to temporarily suture the area to keep it from recurring. The veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics, hormone treatments, and place an Elizabethan collar on your dog to keep her from licking the area. If she cannot urinate, surgery will be needed to remove the blockage.
Your dog will have to be spayed right away to treat stage III vaginal prolapse to prevent infection and self-mutilation of the vaginal area due to licking and itching.
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Recovery of Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs
The recovery of your dog also depends on the stage and the treatment. Stage I has an excellent prognosis and only a slight risk of vaginal prolapse recurring. You will not need to bring her back unless there are complications or if the problem recurs.
Stage II will require one or two days rest if the veterinarian had to do surgery to remove the blockage or place stitches. The stitches might dissolve on their own but you will have to bring her back in one or two weeks for a check-up.
Stage III requires a hospital stay of at least one day and prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers. You will have to bring her back in a week for a follow up examination.
Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
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Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
Six Years
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
There is something protruding that resembles an egg from her backside. She does not seem to have any discomfort.
April 23, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
24 Recommendations
Hi,
That could be a rectal or vaginal prolapse. Please have the vet check it up to prevent infection.
April 23, 2021
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French Bulldog
One Year
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vaginal Prolapse
I have attached a photo. She is in her very first heat cycle. She is urinating still but definitely struggles and tries multiple times. She has threw up once which has made us more concerned.
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm sorry that is happening, and I understand your concern. The best treatment for this is to have her spayed, as this seems that it may be a recurring problem for her when she goes into heat. For now, it would make sense to monitor her closely, keep the area clean, and see your veterinarian if she is continuing to vomit. The hyperplasia should resolve once her heat cycle is over, and if you notice any more pronounced prolapse of the tissues, having her seen by your veterinarian right away would be best, as well.
I hope that all goes well for her.
July 24, 2020
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pit mix
Sara Lee
1 Year
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vaginal Swelling
Vaginal Prolapse, she is 1 yr. old is a pit mixed. This her 3rd time this has happened, usually after a couple of weeks it goes away.
This 3rd time she is still swollen bad and this is the 4th week. Should I be concerned, we are waiting for the swelling to go down to have her fixed.
May 30, 2018
13 Recommendations
Is it a vaginal prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia? Either way spaying is the way to go; in the meantime you should ensure that the protrusion is kept lubricated with an antibiotic ointment and is kept clean. You should also visit your Veterinarian for a check as well as they may be able to prescribe something to help. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 31, 2018
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Japanese Spitz
Bailey
20 Months
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Sir/ma'am, my dog is experiencing a vaginal hyperlapsia/ prolapse after giving birth? Why is it happened to her? Can her still breastfeed her pups?? Can I take her a bath?
April 16, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Vaginal prolapse and hyperplasia are two very different conditions, and require medical therapy. It would be best to have Bailey examined by a veterinarian to determine which of those conditions is occurring, and get treatment for it as soon as possible.
April 16, 2018
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Pekingese
Gracie
13 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Decreased Appetite
Problems Defecating
Hello Doctor,
My dog is a 13 year old pekingese with a mass protrusion in her genital area (between her anus and vagina) protruding about 3 cm outside the body. She was not spayed until this last week as our vet thought that this was hormonally related. She usually goes into heat in january and july every year, although her last 3 cycles where "silent heats." 3 months ago the mass was not externally visible; it became visible during her "silent heat cycle" this last january. She has been on antibiotics for 2 weeks and the inflammation has gone down significantly 25%. We had xrays taken as our vet suspected a tumor. There is a large visible mass between the external pelvic bone and the muscle. A rectal exam was performed and the mass is not in the rectum according to the vet. She is struggling to defecate (before and after spay). Antibiotics are helping with a better flow of urine. Much of her diagnosis is still speculation; any thoughts are much appreciated. She has not had any medical issues until july 2017 she had colitis-blood in the stool. She was put on antibiotics and we changed her diet. At the time no crytals in urine. Her recent urinalysis this last week concluded that there are crytals in her urine and 2 small kidney stones were present in xrays. Shes now on a special SO diet. Also during her spay surgery they removed 2 small tumors, one was a mammary tumor and the other was attached to the fat connected to her falopian tube. She has a lot of fat in her abdomin as well says the vet. Still awaiting results on the biopsy of tumor.
March 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. It is possible that the mass is a tumor, and it is possible that it is tissue related to her not being spayed until recently. It may improve now that she has been spayed, but it may need further attention. It would be best to have her seen by your veterinarian for a follow up, as they can see her, assess the mass, and determine if anything needs to be done. I hope that she is okay.
March 2, 2018
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Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,000
Average Cost
$750
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