What is Vaginal Hyperplasia?
If you have a female dog, it is possible that you may have to deal with this condition, especially if your dog is not spayed. Prolapse of the vagina will typically happen prior to or while the dog is undergoing its heat cycle. Some dog breeds are more susceptible than others. However, when and if you do notice this, your responsibility as a pet owner is to take action right away by taking your dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
An enlarged and inflamed vaginal lining that is influenced by estrogen is known as vaginal hyperplasia. When the vaginal mucosa swells up like this, it bulges out of the vaginal lips.
Symptoms of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs
The noticeable sign and symptom is a tongue-like bulge, protruding through the dog’s vulva. Other symptoms include:
- Pain during urination
- Extreme licking of the vulva
- Spilling out of the vulva
- Noticeable tissue at the opening of the vagina
- Swelling of the tissue
- Difficulty with having puppies during delivery
If your dog is pregnant and ready to give birth, pushing to deliver the puppies may result in the bulging and swelling of the tissues. In fact, this can create a blockage when your dog is ready to deliver her puppies. This should be considered a medical emergency where a C-section should be administered. If not, then the mother and the pups may be at risk. Therefore, a veterinarian should be consulted for medical assistance.
Causes of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs
Estrogen is truly influential in causing a swollen vaginal lining, especially during the dog’s heat or period cycle. When your dog has this protruding mass, it prevents the dog from mating. A difficult labor is also a prerequisite of vaginal hyperplasia in dogs. This condition is caused by extended straining during the delivery process or in other instances, a forceful separation of dogs while mating. There are certain breeds affected by vaginal hyperplasia such as:
- German Shepherd
- Boxer
- Labrador Retriever
- Mastiff
- Airedale Terrier
- Springer Spaniel
- English Bulldog
- Walker Hound
Although genetic influence is obviously one factor that influences vaginal prolapse in dogs, it is not the only one. An inflamed vaginal wall could also be the reason. Your dog will have difficulty with constipation and urination.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs
It is important for you as a pet owner to realize the severity of the problem and get your dog to the veterinarian as early as possible. Your veterinarian will provide a proper diagnosis upon assessing the symptoms. Most veterinarians believe that vaginal prolapse and heightened estrogen levels are connected. The reason for this observation and conclusion is that the condition usually happens prior to the dog’s heat cycle where estrogen levels are higher.
If the condition is severe, it could result in prolapse where the tissues are visible. Of course, the obvious signs of swollen and bulging vaginal tissue in a female dog is an indication that vaginal hyperplasia is the proper diagnosis. Make sure to provide the veterinarian with further information, including the dog’s breed and how long and the instances when your pet has experienced vaginal hyperplasia.
Treatment of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs
Don’t feel overwhelmed, though, because successful treatment is possible. The veterinarian will clean the vaginal area and use antibiotic cream to lubricate the area, preventing drying. If your goal is not dog breeding, then the veterinarian may recommend spaying to prevent further problems. If you are going to breed your dog, then artificial insemination would be the ideal choice. If the condition is severe, the veterinarian might consider suturing to get the mass returned to the vagina, after which it would subside once the heat cycle has been completed. The veterinarian will also make a decision whether to surgically take out the dead tissue. Doing so will avoid a reoccurrence of hyperplasia.
Hormone therapy is also an option if your dog has not had any damage to the vaginal tissue and once urination is possible. Hormone therapy will accelerate the heat cycle and correct the vaginal prolapse. The veterinarian may apply topical cream to the area to reduce the swelling.
Recovery of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Dogs
After treatment, a vaginal prolapse will not return until your dog possibly delivers puppies again in the future. In the meantime, you should help your dog during the recovery process by continuing the use of topical creams. Your veterinarian could recommend that you consider the idea of spaying your dog. Pay attention to your pet to ensure that there is no biting or licking of the incision area. This is important to facilitate complete healing. You may have to buy a cone collar to help with this.
Vaginal Hyperplasia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
Hi, my dog is 8 years old and has been spayed. I just noticed she has something coming out of her vagina area. She keeps licking it. Is this serious? Will we need to do something special? We are taking her to a Veterinarian today, but I am very worried and dont have much money to pay for services.
Hi, i just woke up this morning with the same thing happened to my dog. Can u tell me what the vet did if anything.. I'm so broke right now and I'm scared it may be a problem. Thanks
Add a comment to Sugar's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My female is 62 days into her pregnancy. She has been having discharge for the last 4 days reseming that of the mucus plug. She still has not show signs of producing a pup but I have been monitoring her temperature which has dropped to approx. 98°F and her stomach and had been going from soft to hard which I could only assume to be contractions. She had been laying around and not eating very much for 3 days and all day today every time she tries to eat she throws it back up. What can I do to help her progress her labor and help keep her comfortable?
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Rebel's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My golden retriever is spayed and will be 8 in December. She used to get frequent bladder infections and had surgery about 3 years ago for extra skin flaps in the vulva area. She was put on Proin for spay incontinence. Since that time she's only had 2 bladder infections. Last May she was treated for a bladder infection and it was noticed that she had a vulva discharge. My veterinarian noticed vaginal hyperplasia. No tissue is protruding. She found bacterial cells which were found to be normal flora of the vagina. My dog was put on two courses of antibiotics. The discharge still continues, although not as bad and the hyperplasia is still there. One specialist told my vet it could have to do with testosterone or the adrenal glands. Right now, we are waiting for a Feb. 28 appointment at the veterinary school with a urologist. It is almost December, so we will be waiting a long time. Any ideas? No other symptoms except she has frequent anal gland issues and sometimes bites around the base of her tail. No cause for that problem either... no fleas and no mites. Some days she will lick her vulva when she first wakes up , but that's it.
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Noelle's experience
Was this experience helpful?
I have a bullmastiff Puppy I got her when she's two months old and she's turning 4months old in a few days, since I got her she has this something pink little ball on her vagina, and I assume that it's Vaginal Hyperplasia, while she's growing the thing on her vagina is getting bigger too. Two vets already checked her, but they only said we need to wait for her Heat cycle cause there is a possibility it will fade. But I want other vets opinion, I want a treatment now while she's still young and the thing is still small.
She's eats a lot, she's active and plays a lot too. It seems that she's not affected with that thing on her puerta.
3320 Recommendations
My dog also had this is there any treatment required or it will resolve when the period is over or reoccurrence will happend I got an antibiotic tablet from doctor antibiotic name is omez 50 .after five days there is no any result then doctor said it should be surgically remove how long it takes to solve this
My shih tzu is 10 years old & has just gotten vaginal hyperplasia or vaginal edema. Because of her age I am afraid of getting her spayed! Will the hyperplasia reside on its own or will the vet need to remove it? She is urinating normally & it doesn't seem to cause her any discomfort!
Add a comment to Bailey's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
Hello. My 7 year old girl had a mass protruding from her vulva. She was 3 days into her heat cycle. I took her to her vet immediately. They spayed her as well as placed sutures to keep the mass inside. It has been about 1 week status post the surgery and sutures. Although she is urinating well, I do notice that while she is urinating, her vulva will have some edema and the mass will show more through the loose sutures. The edema will usually last a couple of hours and then reduce in size. This does not happen every time she urinates, but on a few occasions. There are no signs of UTI, from what I have observed.
My question is... will this all resolve once her heat cycle is complete?
3320 Recommendations
my pug is on heat and thers protrosion on her vagina. Is it posible and ok for her to mate? what would be the possible thing to happen if we mate her with another dog? thank you
Add a comment to Bella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I have a 10 year old Lhasa Apsos who has a uterus prolapse, and this has been her first time. She got it when she went into heat, it looks like a small red ball, and seems to be getting smaller. I was wondering what kind of hormones would help with this?
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Charlie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I believe my dog has vaginal hyperplasia as of yesterday. She is a 13 year old pit pull and has never had this before. We are concerned about spaying her at this point because of her age and the fact that she is a pit bull, we are afraid it will change her. She is a very sweet old lady. She is not in any pain and is not showing discomfort in any way. She has been in heat for the last 2 weeks but is not bleeding as much as she usually does. What would you recommend?
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Coco's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My dog has what looks like a type 1 hyperplasia(only noticed today) She's due to mate tomorrow either naturally or ai.she is fine within herself but I'm worried that although she's on day 12 there is still bright red blood. The mass is only about the size of a golf ball and does disappear back up. She missed her last season and had her first and last litter Oct 2016.
1611 Recommendations
hi my pug is also due to mate tomorrow. is it ok to mate her with another dog or ai is the only option?
Hi. Our dog has somewhat the same symptoms. Protruding vaginal tissue and bleeding.She was confined at the vet and spayed. But after 2 months, the same situation came back. Shes bleeding again from that area and a reddish tissue protrude. So what could this be?
Add a comment to Lola's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
can I use over-the-counter Neosporin to moisturize and protect the prolapse? Or
or any other over the counter antibiotics for moisturizers has purple in color and drying out have no way to get to the vet for a couple days if she has a reaction to any of that
1611 Recommendations
Add a comment to Diamond's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi, I have a 11 month old Great Dane that went into heat when she was 10 months old. It was to say the least a horrible heat cycle, she swelled so big it was unbelievable. So now we are 6 weeks post heat her vulva is still swollen, not as bad, but her nipples are also swollen. I took her to the vet and they recommended getting her spayed so she doesnt have the same happen next time or have a vaginal prolapse. My concern is great dane breeders dont recommend spaying this early because they need the hormones to continue to grow, and to eliminate other health issues that can arise from a early spay. Do you have any advise?
3320 Recommendations
I have a 10 year old Lhasa Apa who has a prolapse, and this has been her first time. I was wondering what kind of hormones will help with this?
Add a comment to Dixie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I was waiting for Sady to go out of heat to get her spay but she is still in heat I think almost 20 days
but for approximate 10 days she has had excessive bleeding and her stomach has started swelling for at least 3 days
3320 Recommendations
I would be concerned about the risk of pyometra; although usually pyometra is seen four to six weeks after a heat cycle, symptoms may appear at anytime. Metritis and other conditions may also be present; please visit your Veterinarian for an examination to ensure that Sady’s health isn’t at risk. With infections of the uterus (pyometra) you would normally see an increased thirst and an increase in urination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Hi i would like your help i have a presa canario who has vaginal hyperlasia and has been going on for quite sometime seems to not be going away
Add a comment to Sady's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My dog has hyperplasia. I have called her vet and told them and they are telling me to keep a diaper on her and to keep it lubricated. You can tell when we put cream on it that it is very painful. Right now it looks like the size of a golf ball maybe a little larger. Should I be worried? Is it normal for the mass to get this large?
3320 Recommendations
Can you still breed her with this
Add a comment to Zuri's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My dog does have hyperplasia. She is being treated with ointment and losing weight. Times rarely noticeable. Notice when she strains for bowel movement, it protrudes further and licks a lot. Does she need surgery if this happens everytime she strains?
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Carly's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My dog have this vaginal hyperplasia and is there anything i could do aside from bringing her to the vet? is there any life expectancy or is her life really at risk
3320 Recommendations
I'm sorry I meant spay
This exactly what my Lizzy having rite now she a big dog, and say what kind of antibiotics lubrication did you use thank you
Add a comment to Blackey's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Hi there my dog is definitely having this issue with her undercarriage. Is it possible to purchase the creams that I need for her without a consultation? I already have an appointment for her to be spayed.
3320 Recommendations
Add a comment to Marley's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi my son just got a blue nose the people he got the puppy from said she is under a year but not sure the age yesterday we noticed that her vagina is hanging very low almost like like a tube it is not red red it is actually tan in color and does not seem to be bothering her
3320 Recommendations
I would take Angel to a Veterinarian as a tan coloured tube isn’t usual and may assist with infection reaching the genital tract. Vaginal hyperplasia is a mass protruding from the vagina and vaginal prolapse is the vagina being forced inside out so that it is visible. Visit your Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to angel's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog is 60 days pregnant and I noticed a small pinkish ball inside her vagina. I don't know what to do.
3320 Recommendations
This sounds like vaginal hyperplasia which may occur during or after heat as well as during whelping, either due to hormones or due to pressure whilst straining when whelping. Roxy maybe starting to whelp keep an eye on her and if she starts to strain, showing signs of pain or you notice any strange discharge visit your Veterinarian immediately since the bulge may cause an obstruction during whelping. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
My dog has this pinkish ball in her private place... There is a little bit of red on the side of it.. Is that bad??!?
Add a comment to Roxy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog got this big red thing coming out of her private area and I don't know what to do. She doesn't seem in pain. I do not breed her she's not having puppies she's not pregnant but she also not spayed yet
3320 Recommendations
A protrusion from the vaginal opening may be due to vaginal hyperplasia or vaginal prolapse. Vaginal hyperplasia maybe caused by high hormone levels causing thickening of the vaginal mucosa until it protrudes from the labia of the vagina; vaginal prolapse occurs when a portion of the vagina protrudes out of the labia which maybe caused by straining while defecating or urinating. I would highly recommend visiting your Veterinarian to check the cause of the protrusion and I would suggest getting Brittany spayed as problems maybe prevented or probability reduced. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/mass-protrusion-from-the-vaginal-area
Add a comment to Brittany's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Hi, my dog is 8 years old and has been spayed. I just noticed she has something coming out of her vagina area. She keeps licking it. Is this serious? Will we need to do something special?