When it comes to canine reproductive health, prolapsed uterus is a serious issue that veterinarians and dog owners alike should be aware of. Prolapsed uterus is a condition where the uterus of a female dog comes out of its normal position, which can cause significant health complications. In certain cases, the prolapsed uterus can be managed without surgical intervention; however, the lingering question is whether a dog with this condition can still be used for breeding.
This post will explore the safety of breeding a dog with prolapsed uterus, as well as some of the recommended approaches that should be taken when dealing with this serious health issue. We will also look at the risks involved and discuss the various treatment options available. Ultimately, we will attempt to provide an answer to the question of whether a dog with prolapsed uterus can be safely bred.
Causes of Vaginal Prolapse in Dogs
Efficacy of Uterine Prolapse Reduction in Dogs
For a brief period of time, canine uterine prolapse reduction is effective. Unless the uterus is removed via ovariohysterectomy (spaying), many dogs who undergo the procedure will experience another uterine prolapse.
After uterine prolapse, some owners decide they want to keep breeding their dog. In this situation, invasive abdominal surgery might be performed to help completely reduce the prolapse.
Uterine prolapse may recur even after abdominal surgery for the condition.
Sometimes the uterus tissues may become damaged and even die. The best course of action in cases like this is to completely remove the uterus. This requires an abdominal surgery. For a full spay procedure, the ovaries are also removed in addition to the uterus.
Rectal prolapse with extensive superficial necrosis and severe wall thickening brought on by congestion and edema (frontal view)
Rectal prolapse occurs when the entire rectum extends through the anal orifice as a long, cylindrical mass. Prolapse typically results from urogenital or anorectal conditions secondary to tenesmus, such as gastrointestinal nematodiasis, typhlitis, colitis, proctitis, tumors of the colon, rectum, or anus, rectal foreign bodies, perineal hernia, cystitis, prostatic disease, urolithiasis, and dystocia [8].
Prior to surgery, the dog received cefazolin (22 mg/kg BW intravenously; Cefazolin, Sandoz GMBH, Austria). Propofol (4 mg/kg BW; Braun, Melsungen, Germany) was used to induce general anesthesia, and isoflurane (Forane; Abbott, Romania) was used to maintain it. Lumbosacral analgesia was carried out with morphine (0. 1 mg/kg BW; Morfină, Sicomed S. A. , Bucharest, Romania). During surgery, lacerated Ringer’s solution (20 ml/kg BW per hour; Soluție Ringer Lactat, Braun Medical, Timiș, Romania) was given.
A true vaginal and rectal prolapse was discovered in a moderately-convalescent 2-year-old Central Asian Shepherd dog that was not pregnant. The prolapses were confirmed by physical examination and ultrasonography. Within the vaginal prolapse, urinary bladder herniation was discovered. The urinary bladder was surgically reduced and fixed to the right abdominal wall to prevent recurrence after the necrotic vaginal wall was removed. To treat the rectal prolapse, a rectal resection and anastomosis were required. Following the surgical procedure, there was no evidence of the prolapses returning, and the dog fully recovered.
Other structures, including the bladder, uterine body, and/or descending colon, may be present within a true prolapse [4]. Other structures had herniated into the vagina in four of the five canine cases of vaginal prolapse that had been reported [2, 3, 5], and urinary bladder incarceration had developed in two cases [6, 7].
FAQ
Can you get pregnant with a prolapsed uterus?
Our case demonstrates that it is possible to become pregnant while experiencing uterine prolapse and that careful evaluation is necessary to avoid complications when giving birth. Our experience suggests that the safest delivery method may be a near-term elective caesarean.
Is prolapse in dogs genetic?
Canine vaginal prolapse is more common in certain breeds, which suggests that genetics plays a major role in its development. When serious, vaginal prolapse may prevent urination. Almost always, the condition is discovered just before or during estrus (heat).
How serious is a prolapsed uterus in dogs?
A prolapsed uterine can be dangerous. The dog’s ability to urinate may occasionally be hindered by the uterine prolapse. It’s crucial to correct the prolapse as soon as possible as a result. Unfortunately, there is a high likelihood that the uterus will prolapse once more if the dog is not spayed.
How common is a prolapsed uterus in dogs?
True vaginal prolapse is a rare condition in dogs, and it is occasionally seen in animals suffering from dystocia, constipation, or being separated from their breeding partners against their will. The bladder, uterine body, and/or distal part of the colon may be present in a true prolapse.