Rectal prolapse in dogs is a condition where part of the rectal lining pushes outward through the anus, creating a visible, tubular mass of pink or red tissue. It happens when a dog strains repeatedly, usually because of an underlying problem like intestinal parasites, severe diarrhea, or a blockage. While it looks alarming, it’s treatable, and most dogs recover fully once the prolapse and its root cause are addressed.
What Causes Rectal Prolapse
The core problem is prolonged, forceful straining during bowel movements (or sometimes urination). That repeated pressure pushes the inner lining of the rectum outward until it protrudes from the body. Less commonly, nerve damage to the muscles that control the anal sphincter allows the tissue to slide out without resistance, as can happen with perineal hernias.
The straining itself is always a symptom of something else. The most common underlying triggers include:
- Intestinal parasites (worms), especially in puppies
- Severe diarrhea or colitis
- Constipation or dehydration
- Swallowed foreign objects the dog is struggling to pass
- Tumors in the rectum or lower colon
- Urinary problems like bladder stones, urethral blockages, or bladder infections that cause straining to urinate
- Prostatic disease in intact male dogs
Young dogs and puppies with heavy parasite loads are particularly vulnerable, but the condition can happen at any age. Older dogs that develop rectal prolapse are more likely to have a tumor or prostatic issue driving the straining.
What It Looks Like
The most obvious sign is a cylindrical or rounded mass of moist, reddish-pink tissue protruding from the anus. In a partial prolapse, only the innermost layer of the rectal lining pokes out, and it may appear and disappear with each bout of straining. A complete prolapse involves the full thickness of the rectal wall and stays visible even when the dog isn’t actively pushing. The tissue is often swollen and can darken to a deep red or purple if blood flow is compromised.
You’ll also likely notice your dog straining frequently, licking at their rear end, or scooting. If the prolapsed tissue has been exposed for a while, it may look dry, cracked, or even start to bleed.
Prolapse vs. Prolapsed Intussusception
One condition that looks nearly identical is a prolapsed intussusception, where a section of intestine telescopes into itself and then pushes out through the anus. The distinction matters because the treatment is different. A veterinarian can tell the two apart with a simple physical test: they gently slide a blunt instrument (like a thermometer) along the space between the protruding tissue and the edge of the anus. If it meets resistance quickly, it’s a true rectal prolapse. If the instrument passes easily into a deep pocket, the tissue is actually intestine that has folded inward, which is a more serious surgical situation.
How Veterinarians Treat It
Treatment depends on how long the tissue has been exposed, how damaged it is, and whether the prolapse keeps coming back.
Manual Reduction
For a fresh prolapse where the tissue is still healthy, the vet will gently push the rectum back into place under sedation or anesthesia. They may first apply a concentrated sugar solution or similar agent to the exposed tissue, which draws out swelling and makes it easier to reposition. Once the tissue is back inside, a temporary suture is placed around the anus in a drawstring pattern. This stitch keeps the rectum from sliding out again while still leaving enough of an opening for the dog to pass stool. It typically stays in place for several days.
Surgery for Recurring Cases
If the prolapse returns after manual reduction, surgery becomes the next step. The most effective option for recurrent cases is a procedure called colopexy, in which the colon is stitched directly to the inner abdominal wall. This internal anchor prevents the rectum from telescoping outward again. A retrospective study of 14 dogs and cats that underwent colopexy found that none of them experienced a recurrence at follow-up.
In severe cases where the protruding tissue is dead, badly damaged, or has lost its blood supply, the veterinarian may need to surgically remove the affected section of rectum. This is a last resort because it carries a higher risk of complications, including narrowing of the rectal opening, loss of bowel control, and wound breakdown.
Treating the Underlying Cause
No prolapse treatment will hold if the dog keeps straining. That’s why identifying and resolving the original trigger is just as important as fixing the prolapse itself. This might mean deworming for parasites, managing diarrhea or colitis, removing a foreign body, treating a urinary obstruction, or addressing a tumor. Without this step, recurrence is likely regardless of whether the prolapse was reduced manually or corrected surgically.
What to Do Before You Reach the Vet
If you notice tissue protruding from your dog’s anus, the priority is keeping it moist and protected. Exposed rectal tissue dries out and becomes damaged quickly. Gently apply a water-based lubricant (like K-Y jelly) or wrap the area with a clean, damp cloth. Don’t try to push the tissue back in yourself, as you can cause tearing or further swelling. Prevent your dog from licking or biting at the area, and get to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer the tissue stays outside the body, the greater the chance of permanent damage.
Recovery After Treatment
After either manual reduction or surgery, your dog will likely be sent home with stool softeners and instructions to feed a low-residue diet. The goal is to make bowel movements as effortless as possible so the repair site isn’t stressed by straining. Soft, easily digestible food reduces the bulk of stool moving through the colon.
One of the biggest challenges during recovery is keeping your dog from licking or chewing at the area. An Elizabethan collar (the cone) is usually necessary. Watch for signs that the prolapse is returning: visible tissue at the anus, renewed straining, blood in the stool, or obvious discomfort during bowel movements. Most dogs that have the underlying cause corrected and receive appropriate treatment recover well and don’t experience the problem again.