Mass Protrusion From the Vaginal Area in Dogs

If your dog has a mass extending from her vaginal area, she may have vaginal prolapse. This is caused by the swelling of your dog’s vaginal tissues, usually more common in young dogs that have not been spayed and in certain breeds. It can be quite serious, and requires medical attention.  There are three stages of vaginal prolapse, of which stage III is the most serious and may needs surgery. This disorder can also mimic a tumor and should always be checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible to rule it out.

A mass protrusion from the vaginal area (canine vaginal prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia) can be described as vaginal tissue protruding from the vulva, commonly caused by edema (fluid retention) from estrogen produced in estrus (when your dog is in heat). There are three stages of mass protrusions from the vaginal area, which are Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III.

The symptoms of canine vaginal prolapse depend on the stage your dog has.

Stage I

• Trouble with urination
• Excessive licking in the genital area
• Whining when urinating
• Refusal to mate
• Pain in genital area
• Slight discharge

Stage II

• Protrusion from genital area
• Difficulty urinating
• Scratching and licking in the genital area
• Red and inflamed genital area
• Refusing to mate
• Pain in the genital area
• Vaginal discharge

Stage III

• Large, protruding mass in the genital area
• Difficulty walking
• Refusal to mate
• Extreme pain in the genital area
• Excessive scratching and licking the genital area
• Inability to sit
• Difficult urination
• Vaginal discharge

 Types

Stage I and II vaginal prolapse can include a vaginal protrusion that can become inflamed and cause pain and infection. This condition needs medical treatment.  

Stage III vaginal prolapse is when the vaginal protrusion is extreme and you should go to the veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. It is also essential to let the veterinarian rule out cancer before treatment.

• Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to vaginal prolapse. These breeds are German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, English, Bulldogs, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, Walker Hounds, and Airedale Terriers
• Urination problems (kidney stones, kidney failure)
• Chronic constipation
• Recent difficult labor
• Interruption of mating process
• Young dogs that are not spayed

Your dog’s veterinarian will need a complete medical background and descriptions of the symptoms you have noticed in your dog. The veterinarian will also do a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the genital area and protrusion. Some tests may be needed to rule out other medical disorders:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Bacterial culture
• Fungal culture
• Vaginal swab
• Urinalysis
• Biopsy to rule out cancer

The treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the stage. There may be no treatment necessary for stage I unless your dog is having difficulty urinating or if your dog seems to be in extreme discomfort. Your veterinarian may decide to put an Elizabethan collar on your dog to stop her from licking herself, which can make the vaginal prolapse worse. The veterinarian may also give your dog hormone treatments to help prevent vaginal prolapse from happening again.

If your dog has stage II vaginal prolapse, your veterinarian may manually push the mass back into place. If the protrusion does not stay in place, the veterinarian may decide to temporarily suture the area to keep it from recurring. The veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics, hormone treatments, and place an Elizabethan collar on your dog to keep her from licking the area. If she cannot urinate, surgery will be needed to remove the blockage.

Your dog will have to be spayed right away to treat stage III vaginal prolapse to prevent infection and self-mutilation of the vaginal area due to licking and itching. 

The recovery of your dog also depends on the stage and the treatment. Stage I has an excellent prognosis and only a slight risk of vaginal prolapse recurring. You will not need to bring her back unless there are complications or if the problem recurs.

Stage II will require one or two days rest if the veterinarian had to do surgery to remove the blockage or place stitches. The stitches might dissolve on their own but you will have to bring her back in one or two weeks for a check-up.

Stage III requires a hospital stay of at least one day and prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers. You will have to bring her back in a week for a follow up examination.