Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/07/2016Updated: 04/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Vaginal Prolapse?

Discovering a large mass of tissue protruding from a dog’s vulva is alarming. For those unaware of vaginal prolapse, the mass may appear to be a fast-developing tumor, or an in-process miscarriage. As unsightly as it may be, the condition of vaginal prolapse commonly occurs in female dogs that have not been spayed. Due to the action of the female hormone estrogen, the tissue of the internal vaginal walls swells and protrudes through the vulva; the external female genital organ. The mass is usually accompanied by vaginal discharge.

 In vaginal prolapse, the swollen, protruding vaginal tissue resembles what’s often described as a “donut-shaped” mass. While the primary cause of vaginal prolapse is estrogen stimulation, other causes include vaginal hyperplasia (a proliferation of the vaginal mucosa) and genetic predisposition. Other causes of prolapse are prolonged straining resulting from a difficult labor and delivery or a urinary tract infection, or an interruption during coitus before mating can occur. Reluctance to breed may be a symptom of vaginal prolapse.

While the condition affects a range of dogs, breeds most commonly affected include the Labrador and Chesapeake Bay retriever, English Bulldog, German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Mastiff, Springer Spaniel and Weimaraner. Predominance in certain breeds suggests that genetics plays a key role in the development of canine vaginal prolapse. 

When serious, vaginal prolapse may prevent urination. The condition is almost always diagnosed just before or during estrus (heat). While the outcome is positive for most animals, the chance of the condition recurring throughout pregnancy, or at delivery is quite possible. Because breeding may place the dog at further risk for the condition, spaying the animal may be recommended.

Vaginal prolapse, a condition caused by the action of the female hormone, estrogen, occurs in young, unspayed female dogs.

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Vaginal Prolapse Average Cost

From 572 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

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Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

  • Protrusion of pink or red inflamed tissue from the vulva
  • Excessive licking of the affected area
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Resistance to mating, even during heat cycle

Types

  • Type 1 occurs when there is a slight protrusion, even though it does not exit the vulva itself
  • Type 2 is when the vaginal tissue protrudes through the vulvar opening
  • Type 3 hyperplasia refers to the donut-shaped mass, which can be seen externally

Causes of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

  • Genetics
  • Breed affiliation
  • Estrogen stimulation
  • Vaginal hypoplasia

Diagnosis of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

A veterinary consultation will be required for diagnosis of vaginal prolapse. The timing of the problem (during pre-estrus or estrus), and the typical appearance of the mass upon physical examination, will usually be sufficient for diagnosis. In an older female dog, a tissue sample is often taken to differentiate the condition from a cancerous growth.

Aside from the physical examination, your veterinarian may choose to perform blood tests and urinalysis to rule out the presence of other underlying conditions or infection that may be present.

Treatment of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

If your dog is experiencing prolapse but can urinate normally, the veterinarian may prescribe hormonal therapy. The prolapse may correct itself as this type of therapy can initiate ovulation. Topical creams will be prescribed if your pet is uncomfortable. With these therapies, vaginal prolapse is highly treatable and in many cases, can be reversed.

Unless the vaginal prolapse is blocking the urethra completely so that your pet cannot urinate, the condition is not a medical emergency. If your companion is unable to pass urine, she will likely require hospitalization, surgery to suture the tissue back in and enable an assessment of the prolapsed tissue, and if required, a urinary catheter will be utilized. Spaying is often suggested.

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Recovery of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs

During recovery, you must keep the prolapsed area clean and dry.  If tolerated, an Elizabethan collar may stop your dog from licking, chewing or biting the affected area; many dogs benefit from wearing a canine diaper to protect the area and make it less accessible.

The veterinarian will prescribe moisturizing ointments that will help prevent tissue damage. As a  pet owner, you must be vigilant so that the prolapsed tissue is not aggravated or damaged by surfaces or other animals.

Vaginal Prolapse Average Cost

From 572 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

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Vaginal Prolapse Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Labmaraner

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Harley

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1 Year

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vaginal Prolapse,
My dog is a one year old lab-wiemaraner mix. We noticed the prolapsed tissue about a month ago and hoped that it would resolve on it's own. Over about 2 weeks it got smaller and then turned into a large donut-shaped mass. We took her to the vet and they put the tissue back inside and tied her up. After 10 days we went back and they removed the tie. It has since returned to the worst I've seen it. She can still pee. They have said that we need to do a more expensive surgery. At this point it would be over $1200 put into this dog. Is there any chance that this will go away on it's own or is surgery the only option?

Feb. 15, 2018


0 Recommendations

At this point, if the prolapse has recurred after it being placed back and sutures being placed; then surgery is the next option as it is not likely that the issue will resolve and Harley is at a high risk of infection. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Feb. 15, 2018

I have a female with a prolapse and has carried pups due in a few days still has prolapse since breed will she delliver she has been fine with it the whole time no problems

May 24, 2018

Dena

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spitz

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Budz

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3 Years

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Protrution In The Vagina
i think my dog has vaginal prolapse and the protrution is getting bigger. last december it started out to be the size of a grape but not it has grow to be the size of a small orange and ive noticed some pus in the area..what do i do?there are no vets in my area as of the moment, and i'm worried that it may become an infected wound.can i give her meds or something?

Feb. 15, 2018


1 Recommendations

Without examining Budz I cannot determine if it is a prolapse or a vaginal hyperplasia; hyperplasia normally resolves after a heat cycle, but a prolapse would require veterinary attention. There are no medicines I can recommend to solve this issue; but you should keep the exposed area lubricated with an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. You should visit a Veterinarian regardless of distance or cost. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Feb. 15, 2018

i have already consulted with a vet and she prescribed oral antibiotics but my dog won't take it.we have scheduled to have the mass removed and injectable antibiotics.my problem now it that she is showing signs of aggresion, i'm worried that it would be quite difficult to take her to the vet tomorrow.any advise?

Feb. 16, 2018

Budz's Owner


My Dog has Prolapse will she always have it in Every Heat? Had it last Heat and i didnt really know what it was becUse she is my first female i own ever! And thought it was Normal. She should be coming into heat here soon. What do you suggest? Obviously take her to the vet either way? But any possible chance of breeding her if it doesnt swell like a Prolapse?

April 11, 2018

Damian_831


My small 9 years old female dog had a swollen vagina that stayed there for several months . She seemto urinate okay . She finally died. She didn’t seem sick or anything but died

May 3, 2018

Linda M.

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Vaginal Prolapse Average Cost

From 572 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

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