TOBY, a relatively young dog, was brought into the Johannesburg SPCA for a rectal prolapse. It was quite strange, as the JSPCA had very recently seen three other animals with the same problem, some in worse condition.
A rectal prolapse is a protrusion of rectal tissue through the anus to the exterior of the body. This means that the dog is unable to pass a stool, making this condition an emergency.
A rectal prolapse can be caused by various factors including disorders of the digestive system that cause diarrhoea, straining while passing stools, presence of worms, inflammation of the small or large intestines or disorders of the urinary and genital systems.
If you see any tissue protruding from your dog’s anus take it to the vet immediately. If left too long the vet will not be able to treat the condition as the rectal tissue may become fibrosed or infected over time.
Luckily, Toby was surgically treated and the prolapse reduced. He is now on a special diet and will hopefully not have this problem again.
For more information visit www.jhbspca.co.za
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