Rectal Prolapse in Dogs

Rectal Prolapse, Prolapsed Rectum

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
A rectal prolapse is the extrusion (pushing out) of the inner layers of the rectum through the anus. It is often a result of straining to defecate, urinate, or give birth.
SEVERITY:
Mild to severe

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Can resolve within days to weeks of treatment
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian
  • Prevention Icon
    Control predisposing factors (prostate issues, parasite prevention, etc.) may help prevent rectal prolapse in some cases.
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not possible between animals or animals and people, however; some causes such as intestinal parasites may be.
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires a physical examination. Fecal testing, ultrasound, or x-rays may be used to determine cause of the prolapse.

VERY COMMON IN
Common in young animals in association with severe diarrhea, but can affect any dog.

Symptoms & Signs

Dogs with a rectal prolapse will have a reddened 'sausage or doughnut-like' mass protruding from the anus. A prolapse left untreated may appear crusty, bloody or have dark, necrotic tissue. The prolapsed rectum may just slightly extend or extend several inches from the body. The dog may also strain to produce a bowel movement and may also show signs of pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis

A rectal prolapse is easily diagnosed by your veterinarian performing a physical examination. In addition, the veterinarian will try to identify the underlying cause of the prolapse. A fecal exam may be necessary to determine if any gastrointestinal parasites are present. A chemical blood profile, complete blood count, urinalysis, and abdominal x-rays/ultrasound may also be recommended.

Causation

It is often a result of straining to defecate, urinate, or give birth. Diseases causing straining in the dog, such as constipation, parasites, or diarrhea, may cause a displacement or protrusion of the rectum. Disorders of the genitourinary tract such as urinary tract infections, urinary stones, prostate enlargement, tumors of the urethra and abnormal labor or birthing process can also cause the rectum to prolapse.

Treatments

icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
If you see a rectal prolapse in your puppy or dog, this warrants immediate veterinary medical care. Do not allow the dog to lick or chew at the rectal area, an E-Collar (cone) will likely be recommended by your veterinarian .
icon MEDICATIONS
Stool softeners, anti-diarrhea, anti-parasitic, and antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the primary cause. After treatment, dogs are often prescribed stool softeners for a period of time. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
icon MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Many cases of rectal prolapse can be manually replaced. If the tissue appears to be healthy and not traumatized, the veterinarian may attempt to push it back into normal position. A suture may then be placed around the anus to restrict the anal opening and help prevent another prolapse while the tissue heals. The suture, however, will be loose enough to allow stool to pass out.
icon SURGERY
If the prolapsed rectal tissue becomes traumatized and unhealthy, the damaged rectal tissue may need to be surgically repaired or removed by a veterinarian.
icon SPECIALISTS
Most cases of rectal prolapse can be treated by a general practitioner so a veterinary specialist is not typically needed. In severe cases, a board certified veterinary surgeon may be brought in to perform surgery.

Cost Of Treatment

Veterinary expenses can vary widely for various reasons, however; ,manual reduction may range between $300 and $500. If surgical resection is required, costs can reach $2500 or more.

Recovery

With prompt treatment, most dogs with rectal prolapse recover within a week or two after treatment, especially if the primary cause is identified and treated. Left untreated, a dog may be unable to eliminate stool from the anus. As a result, severe illness may develop, followed within several days, by death. The extruded portion of the anus can also be abraded or injured and if left untreated, this tissue can become devitalized (dead) leading to serious complications and ultimately, death.

Monitoring

Dogs with rectal prolapse should be monitored for recurrences of prolapsed tissue, especially if the underlying cause was not identified and remedied. Monitor the surgical site for 1 – 2 weeks, as directed by your veterinarian, as there is a possibility of suture breakdown and reopening, when the animal defecates. The pet should also be monitored long term for straining to defecate or urinate, diarrhea, and pain when eliminating. Any changes in elimination, new abnormalities to the rectum, or changes to your pets behavior should be reported to the veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Prevention

Controlling predisposing factors is the only way to reduce the risk of this condition from occurring, however not all causes of prolapsed rectums can be prevented. Factors that can reduce the risk of occurrence include neutering male dogs to prevent prostate issues, parasite prevention, feeding an appropriate diet etc.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.