Dog Having Problems During Delivery? 3 Signs It Might Be Vaginal Prolapse
If your dog is about to give birth, you need to be aware of vaginal prolapse – a potentially dangerous situation that can occur shortly after delivery. While it doesn't happen often, when it does, it quickly becomes a medical emergency. With vaginal prolapse, the uterus continues to contract after all of the puppies have been delivered. When that happens, the uterus eventually turns inside out and spills out of the vaginal cavity. If your dog develops vaginal prolapse, you won't be able to reinsert the uterus, but you will be able to protect it from further harm until you can get your dog to the veterinarian. Here are three steps you should take if your dog suffers vaginal prolapse during birth.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
As soon as you see the uterus spill from the vaginal opening, you should apply antibiotic ointment. The uterus will be moist and slippery when it's first exposed. However, it will quickly dry and crack if not protected properly. When that happens, your dog runs an increased risk of developing an infection. The antibiotic ointment will prevent infection from developing.
Wrap and Elevate the Uterus
After you have applied the antibiotic ointment, you'll need to wrap and elevate the uterus. If the entire uterus, including the uterine horns – Y-shaped mass at the end of the uterine tissue – is exposed, you'll need to contain the entire length of uterus and connective tissue. Fill the sink with water and add about one cup of sterile contact lens solution. Soak a pillow case in the solution, place the entire length of uterus and connective tissue inside the, and carefully hold it above your dog.
To protect your dog, have someone ride in the backseat and carefully hold the organ over your dog during the ride. If you don't have contact lens solution, you can also use betadine solution. You'll need to keep the tissue moist during the ride to the vet, so fill a spray bottle with the sterile solution and spritz the pillow case whenever it starts to dry out.
Get to the Vet
Once you have your dog prepped and ready to go, notify the veterinarian so that they'll be prepared for your arrival. Be sure to let the vet know that your dog has suffered a vaginal prolapse and that the uterus is wrapped and protected. You'll need to get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.
If your dog suffers a vaginal prolapse during delivery, you'll need to act fast. The tips provided here will help you care for your dog until it can receive emergency care. Once your dog suffers from vaginal prolapse, you should consider having it spayed, as the problem can repeat itself with each subsequent pregnancy. Vet clinics, such as Akaal Pet Hospital, can provide more information.
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