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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.
Vaginal Hyperplasia Average Cost
From 255 quotes ranging from $800 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,400
The noticeable sign and symptom is a tongue-like bulge, protruding through the dog’s vulva. Other symptoms include:
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.
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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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Vaginal Hyperplasia Average Cost
From 255 quotes ranging from $800 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,400
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Ask a Vet
Bull Terrier
Two Years
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog is due she looks in pain no puppies coming she has vagina swollen hanging hurts she won't look at me and moves head side to side up and down I can't pay thousands for a vet
Jan. 15, 2021
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
3 Recommendations
I'm sorry your dog is unwell. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by her vagina is 'swollen hanging' but I would be concerned for e.g. a prolapse. A vet visit is needed for both her and the puppies sake if the labour is not progressing as normal. Let the vet know about any financial concerns beforehand and they should be able to work with you.
Jan. 15, 2021
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Havanese
One Year
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Why is my dog's vagina swollen and red?
Jan. 3, 2021
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
5 Recommendations
Hello this could be her coming into heat, urinary tract infection or vaginal infection. It would be best for your vet to look at her. They can start her on antibiotics for any infection.
Jan. 3, 2021
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pom
ten
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has a swollen vulva and it is dark / black colored. Her nipples are not flat either. They swelled at the tip during heat and never went down. Her heat cycle was 2 months ago. Is this normal?
Nov. 14, 2020
Owner
Dr. Kate D. MA VetMB MRCVS
4 Recommendations
Hello, Thank you for contacting us about your dog, and for sending the pictures. It is not unusual for nipples and vulva to remain enlarged for several weeks following the season, and looking at the photos I think these look quite normal for a dog who has started her cycles. Some enlargement is normal and won't ever return to how they were before her first season. That said, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the area, and if you notice any redness/inflammation, discharge, firm lumps or if she is bothering either the vulva or the nipples, then I recommend you get her checked by a vet. I hope that helps!
Nov. 14, 2020
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labrador x shepperd
2½ yrs
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
was sent home by the vet 2 days ago to keep her complfortable and allow it to settle naturally. Im worried it smells like a rotten dead fish market
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If you are noticing an odor to the hyperplasia, that is not normal, and requires further treatment. It would be best to either call your veterinarian and let them know what is happening, or take her back in for a recheck so that they can see the area themselves. She may need antibiotic therapy, or further care to help reduce the hyperplastic area. I hope that everything goes well for her and she feels better soon.
Sept. 30, 2020
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Mastiff mix
Three Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I noticed a pink egg looking mass coming from my dogs female parts. I really think it is vaginal hyperplasia. I’m in a tough spot right now and I really don’t have the money for a vet. I know that’s terrible. But I want her to be okay so whatever I need to. I saw where the average cost was 800-2000 and I can’t even afford half of that. I’m so worried about her.
Aug. 17, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I think that you are making a lot of assumptions without actually knowing what's wrong with your dog. There may be a less expensive treatment, or there may be other options. Without being able to see her, I cannot say what's actually going on with her or what treatment might be needed. The best thing to do would probably be to make an appointment with your veterinarian, which will cost you an office visit, and have a discussion with them about options and costs. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 17, 2020
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Sugar
toy poodle
8 Years
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
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.
Vaginal Hyperplasia Average Cost
From 255 quotes ranging from $800 - $2,000
Average Cost
$1,400
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