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
Bully pit
One Year
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Prolapsed Uterus Stage 3
My one year old bully uterus is completely protruded and now she is unable to urinate. The Vet can’t see her until tomorrow, should I take her to a animal hospital
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
9 Recommendations
Hello, This does need to see a vet very soon. It is best to keep this moist with water or lubrication too. If it dries out it can become necrotic. I would take your dog to the emergency clinic tonight if there is one that you can get her too. If you have to wait until tomorrow, make sure this area stays clean.
July 30, 2020
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Pit Bull
9yrs 11months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Ceave Ice. Puking
my baby girl keeps puking she has had the runs only 1 day took her vet 2weeks ago he never said what it is an she has a knot on outsid of her private parts he checked it said no turmer just a groth shes developed a skin tag. her food comes up whole last nite i fed her grilled chicken an she did keep that down b4 she pukes she like dry heaves 2xs then voimets. she layes around
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Puppies are prone to parasites, infectious diseases, and intestinal blockages. Since she doesn't seem to be improving, and she sounds like she is vomiting and having diarrhea and is lethargic, the best thing to do for her would be to have a recheck with your veterinarian. They will be able to examine her, see what might be wrong, and suggest any treatment for you that will make her feel better. I hope that all goes well for her!
July 24, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Eight Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Prolapse
My dog has a ball in her vagina and I’m not sure what it is
July 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello,
If this ball is a part of her body then it may be perfectly normal. If someone has put a toy ball in her vagina, then your vet will need to help remove this. If you are seeing tissue out of her vagina, then this may be a prolapse and your dog will need to see your vet to replace this tissue.
July 12, 2020
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Boston Terrier
Memi
13 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mass Coming From Vagina
My 13 year old Boston Terrier has a mass coming out of her vagina I have never seen this before, this is the first time but it has gotten bigger this is her 5th day and I don't know what to do and can't afford surgery?
July 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
There are a couple of possibilities for that mass, and if she is not spayed, it may be related to a heat cycle. Since I cannot examine her or determine what the mass might be, it would be best to have Memi seen by a veterinarian, as they will be able to examine her, see what the mass is, and let you know options for treatment for her.
July 26, 2018
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