First Aid treatment for vaginal prolapse
18 Apr 2011
Vaginal prolapse is one of the gruesome health concerns of dogs given that a swollen red mass of tissue that is shaped like a life saver or a donut would protrude through the opening of the vagina. Vaginal prolapse is a condition that commonly occurs in intact females though some dogs are noted to be genetically predisposed to this condition. St. Bernard, German Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Boxers and Retrievers are some of the breeds predisposed to vaginal prolapse.
The swelling of the vaginal mucosa is associated with the stimulation of estrogen. The stimulation of the estrogen that occurs during the estrus cycle of the dog results to the development of vaginal prolapse. The swollen vaginal tissues would no longer fit within the vagina. The swelling of the vaginal walls will cause the tissues to spill out. Vaginal prolapse is a condition common in some breeds of dogs. Another cause of vaginal prolapsed is the prolonged straining that occurs when the dog is constipated. Prolonged straining caused by a difficult labor can result to vaginal prolapse. Vaginal prolapse can also occur when mating dogs are forcefully separated before the mating tie has ended.
A dog owner would easily notice the condition of the pet as the red and swollen mass of tissue would be seen protruding from the vagina. A dog that has vaginal prolapsed will incessantly lick the vagina. The blockage will make urination difficult and would prevent the dog from being mated. Vaginal prolapse is an emergency situation for dogs that are about to give birth as the swollen mass will block the passage and prevent the puppies from being born. Normal delivery for dogs with blocked vagina would be impossible thus a C-section will be necessary.
Initial treatment for this condition can be done at home. First aid treatment is aimed to make the pet comfortable and also to prevent self mutilation as the dog would have the inclination to incessantly lick the protruding mass. To ward off infection; the mass must be cleaned with saline wash. Anti-inflammatory ointments and lubricating jellies are also necessary to keep the protruding mass from drying. The dog must be provided with a well padded bed or area to lie on to keep the protruding tissues from being injured.
Use doggie diapers or cone collars to prevent the dog from licking the protruding mass. A dog with this condition would not really need immediate treatment if the blockage is not keeping the dog from urinating. Prompt medical attention is necessary to resolve the blockage created by the mass of tissues. Dogs with vaginal prolapse commonly need hormone therapy and a urinary catheter is used to allow the dog to empty the bladder. Dogs have the inclination to mutilate the protruding tissues and severe damage to the tissues can be resolved with surgery.
Find out more about dog first aid and vaginal prolapse at Sarah’s Dogs.





