Rectal Prolapse In Dogs Causes and Treatment: How To Heal Dog Prolapse At Home?

What Is Prolapse In Dogs?

A canine prolapse is simply the dislocation of an internal organ. The condition occurs when an internal organ extends or sticks out from its natural position. Such situations are often observed in the rectum, uterus, or vagina of your canine friend and are known to cause discomfort and pain. Delocation of rectal tissues that hang out of the dog’s anus is known as rectal prolapse and is one of the most common conditions in dogs. Before we get to “How to heal dog prolapse at home,” let’s understand why this happens in the first place.

What Causes Prolapse In Dogs?

Depending on the dislocated organ, a canine prolapse can have several factors. For instance, canine ovary issues might be caused by excessive pressure during birth. The constant push can cause the ovaries to turn and dislocate from their original position, leading to pain and muscle protrusion in dogs. 

Along with it, rectal prolapse can occur because of straining during defecation. Dogs suffering from constipation or diarrhea often deal with unnatural pressure during excretion, which can usually lead to rectal prolapse.

Physical trauma is another potential reason for organ prolapse in dogs. If your furry friend gets into rough play, a fight, or a physical injury, it might suffer from organ prolapse. 

How To Heal Dog Prolapse At Home Without Surgery

Canine prolapse is a medical emergency and needs to be treated with great care and attention. While many experienced pet owners try to heal a prolapse at home, it is neither suitable nor safe. The best thing you can do for your canine friend suffering from rectal or vaginal prolapse is to get it to the vet for proper examination. However, you should consider the following steps to help the proper recovery of your pet at home. 

 Comfort and Hygiene

When pet owners wonder, “How to heal dog prolapse at home?” They are often looking for certain steps that can solve the problem quickly. However, they usually tend to forget that a prolapse needs clinical treatment. Home care to heal dog prolapses includes creating a comfortable, hygienic, and safe environment for your pup. You must ensure your canine friend is at ease, rests appropriately, and has access to food and clean water.

Diet and Nutrition

Have you ever wondered what to feed a dog with a prolapse? Well, you are not alone. Many dog parents around the world face similar challenges. Depending on your dog’s medical history and overall health, ensure that it gets a balanced diet with all the required nutrients. In case of rectal prolapse, a diet of wet food such as soft kibble and pumpkin is highly beneficial. Consulting with your vet regarding your dog’s dietary needs might help with how to heal dog prolapse at home.

Monitoring and Care

The simple answer to healing dog prolapse at home is providing the canine with proper care and regularly monitoring the condition. At times, the swollen and protruded tissues can become infected and cause problems for the dog. Gentle cleaning and observation can help your canine friend feel better and prevent further complications.

Can Prolapse Heal Itself In Dogs?

A dog prolapse is a complicated medical issue in which specific tissues are affected and dislocated. Depending on the type of prolapse, it may or may not heal on its own. For instance, given proper care, partial prolapse is easier to treat and resolve independently. However, complete prolapse requires surgical interference and can only be treated by professionals.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Rectal Prolapse in Dogs?

The diagnosis of rectal and vaginal prolapse in dogs requires a complete physical examination. Even when the protruding tissue is a sign enough, your vet might go through a proper examination to diagnose any underlying causes of organ prolapse. Often, the physical examination is accompanied by x-ray and ultrasound tests.

Dog Prolapse Treatment

Once diagnosed, canine prolapse is treated by helping the swollen tissues shrink back to their original size. Veterinarians will gently massage the exposed tissue with lubricant gels or a topical application of 50% dextrose solution to shrink swelling. Once the swelling disappears, the tissue can be adjusted to its original position with special stitches.

In case of severe canine prolapse, surgical removal of the dead or damaged tissues is required. Your dog needs to be put on anesthesia as the vet prepares for the surgery. The cost of dog prolapse surgery is often covered by pet insurance if you have one. If not, a prolapse surgery might cost between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on your location and the severity of the problem.