Uterine Prolapse
May, 1999
Uterine prolapse is an uncommon complication to whelping. A
prolapse occurs when an organ turns inside out and protrudes
through a normal body opening. Anal and rectal prolapses occur
from straining to defecate. Prolapse of the uterus occurs from a
prolonged labor, up to 48 hours after whelping, when the cervix
is extremely dialated. It has been known to happen in first-time
pregnancies, but is most likely after a bitch has had several
litters, with or without complications. The reasons for a uterus
to prolapse may involve stretching of muscles, severe straining
during intense labor contractions or an underlying unhealthy
uterus with endometritis.
Because a dog’s uterus is Y-shaped with 2 long horns, either
one horn or both may prolapse into or through the vagina. If only
one horn prolapses and the other horn still contains live pups,
they will likely need to be delivered by Caesarean section.
If the bitch and the uterus appear to be in healthy condition,
the uterus may be able to be manually replaced. This will
probably require a general anesthetic. It is highly recommended
to spay the dog at the earliest opportunity. A prolapsed uterus
has decreased bloodflow due to constricted blood vessels. This
can lead to a permanently devitalized uterus and, more
importantly, the bitch may be in a shocky condition, weak or
non-responsive. This is a life-threatening situation, and the dog
needs to be stabilized, probably with intravenous fluids, before
anesthesia is given to remove the uterus.