Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse is the result of severe straining to pass stools. A portion of the colon (lower digestive tract) turns inside out. This is similar to turning a sock inside out. 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. Diseases causing straining in the puppy or kitten, such as constipation, parasites or diarrhea, may cause a displacement or protrusion of the rectum. Cats or dogs straining to urinate because of urinary infections or other urinary disease may cause the rectum to prolapse. The condition may also occur in a female dog or cat during a difficult birth. The rectum will appear as a reddened "sausage-like" protrusion from the anus. The prolapsed rectum may extend two to several inches from the body.
What are the symptoms?
A visual inspection and notation of a reddened "sausage or
doughnut-like" mass protruding from the anus provides a diagnosis
of rectal prolapse.
What are the risks?
Left untreated, a dog will be unable to eliminate stool from the
anus. As a result, severe illness will develop followed, within
several days, by death. The extruded portion of the anus can also
be abraded or injured.
What is the management?
It is of paramount importance to identify the underlying cause
of a rectal prolapse. Does the dog or cat have diarrhea or constipation,
and if so, why? These problems, if present, must be corrected.
Many cases of rectal prolapse can be manually replaced. Sutures
may need to be placed into the anus to restrict the anal opening
and prevent another prolapse. In severe instances in which the
prolapsed rectal tissue become traumatized, the damaged rectal
tissue may need to be surgically repaired or removed by a veterinarian.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Give all medication as directed. Call the doctor if you cannot give the medication.
2. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____Feed the normal diet.
____A special diet is necessary. Feed as follows: ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Exercise: Follow the instructions checked.
____Allow normal activity.
____Restrict activity as follows: ___________________________________________________
4. Instructions for surgical patients: _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your pet strains or shows discomfort when defecating.
* There is blood in the stool, or the stool is very hard.
* The prolapse recurs.
* There is a change in your pet's general health