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Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 12/07/2016Updated: 01/22/2025
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Vaginal Prolapse?
A vaginal prolapse in dogs happens when vaginal tissue swells and pushes out through the vulva, often during your dog’s heat cycle. Sound scary? It can definitely look that way. And many pet parents even mistake it for something more serious, like a tumor or even a miscarriage.
But here’s the good news: this condition is treatable, and with the right care, your pup can bounce back to her happy, tail-wagging self in no time!
So, what’s behind this odd (but common) issue? Hormones are the big culprit, specifically estrogen, which can cause the vaginal tissue to swell and sometimes protrude.
This condition is most often seen in young, unspayed female dogs, with certain breeds, like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and German Shepherds being more prone to it. If your dog’s in this category, it’s a good idea to stay extra vigilant.
Spotting the signs early and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether it’s identifying the telltale ‘donut-shaped’ mass or understanding how heat cycles play a role, being prepared can keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Vaginal prolapse may look alarming, but with the right knowledge, it’s something you and your vet can handle together.
Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs
If you’re wondering what to watch out for, here are the key signs:
- A visible lump or swelling sticking out from the vulva
- Redness or irritation around the area
- Constant licking of her vulva (and not in the usual way dogs groom themselves)
- Struggling to pee or going to the bathroom more often than normal (with little success)
Symptoms can range from mild to more severe, so keep an eye out for anything that looks or feels ‘off.’ Spotting it early means treatment will be easier and more effective.
Types of vaginal prolapse
Vets typically break vaginal prolapse into three types, depending on how severe it is:
- Type I: A slight bulge inside the vulva that you might barely notice
- Type II: A larger, tongue-shaped mass that’s more visible outside the vulva
- Type III: A full donut-shaped protrusion around the vulva
It’s not always easy to tell vaginal prolapse apart from other issues, like a prolapsed uterus or infections, so if you notice something unusual, your vet is the best person to help you figure it out.
Prolapsed uterus vs. prolapsed vagina: what’s the difference?
The key difference lies in where the prolapse happens. Vaginal prolapse refers to the vaginal walls pushing out through the vulva, while uterine prolapse involves the womb (uterus) slipping down from its position at the top of the vagina. In some cases, both can happen at the same time.
Figuring out whether it’s one, the other, or a combination of both requires a veterinary examination. Vaginal prolapse can involve either the front or back walls of the vaginal canal, or sometimes both.
If you’re not sure what’s going on, your vet will help pinpoint the issue and recommend the best course of action.
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Causes of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs
The main cause of a vaginal prolapse in a dog? Hormones. During your dog’s heat cycle, estrogen levels spike, which can weaken vaginal tissue and lead to a prolapse.
Other factors that can increase the risk include:
- Breeds that are more prone: Boxers, Bulldogs, and other brachycephalic (squishy-faced) breeds are more likely to develop this condition.
- Spayed or not spayed?: Dogs that haven’t been spayed are at higher risk because they go through regular heat cycles, meaning that estrogen is released.
- Age and reproductive status: Young dogs experiencing their first heat cycle are especially at risk.
- Recessed vulva: Also known as a hypoplastic vulva, this is when your dog’s vulva is partially hidden by surrounding folds of skin, which can lead to problems such as vaginitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even other bacterial infections.
Knowing these risk factors can help you stay one step ahead if your dog falls into one of these categories.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs
Think your dog might have vaginal prolapse? Then it’s time to give your vet a call.
Here’s what they’ll do to get to the bottom of things:
- A physical exam: Your vet will check the protruding tissue to confirm whether it’s vaginal prolapse or something else, like a prolapsed uterus.
- Reviewing your dog’s history: They’ll look at her heat cycle, breed, and any past reproductive issues.
- Ruling out other problems: Tests might be done to make sure it’s not an infection, tumor, or something else causing the symptoms.
Catching this early is key, here. It’ll make treatment easier and reduce the chance of complications.
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Treating your dog’s vaginal prolapse
So what happens after a prolapse is diagnosed?
Treatment depends on how severe the prolapse is and what’s causing it. Your vet might suggest a conservative treatment method, or something more invasive, such as surgery. It all depends on the type of prolapse:
Conservative treatments
- Manual repositioning: For mild cases (Type I), your vet might gently push the tissue back where it belongs, usually with some lubrication to keep your dog comfortable.
- Hormonal therapy: Medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can help reduce the swelling by balancing your dog’s hormones.
Surgical options
If the prolapse is more severe or keeps coming back, surgery may be the best option:
- Spaying (ovariohysterectomy): This is often the go-to solution. Spaying stops heat cycles and hormonal fluctuations, preventing future prolapses from happening.
- Tissue removal or repositioning: In extreme cases, your vet may need to surgically remove or secure the tissue.
No matter the treatment route, your pup will need some extra TLC while she recovers. Why not bring her some of her favorite treats? Check out some of our favorite dog treats and make sure your furry friend has everything she needs.
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Recovery from a vaginal prolapse in dogs
Recovery looks different for every dog, depending on how severe the prolapse was and what treatment you and your vet decided on.
Here’s what you can expect, in general:
- Regular vet check-ups: Your vet will want to monitor healing and make sure there are no complications.
- Preventing recurrence: If your dog is intact, there’s a chance the prolapse could return during her next heat cycle. Spaying can prevent this from happening.
- Extra comfort: Keep her environment calm and stress-free, and make sure she wears an e-collar (known sometimes as the cone of shame!) to stop her from licking the area.
With the right care, most dogs recover well and get back to their usual selves pretty quickly.
Vaginal Prolapse Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
7 years
62 found this helpful
62 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Prolapsed Uterus
I can't afford treat ment. No other clinics are seeing new patients is there anything I can do at home to help her
April 23, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
62 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
This is a very large prolapse and (while hard to tell from a photo) the tissue looks infected and necrotic. She needs to see a vet immediately or is at risk of shock and even passing away.
Consider contacting a charity vet or asking your vet for a payment plan or credit payment option.
April 23, 2021
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Golden Retriever
Ten Years
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog has watery blood coming from her vaginal area and it looks something is protruding from her vaginal area
Feb. 13, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
27 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
The are looks inflamed and infected and there may be a slight prolapse.
A vet visit is essential and they will likely also analyse her urine.
Consider a buster collar to stop all licking.
Feb. 13, 2021
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