What are the common causes of rectal or anal prolapse in dogs and cats?

Prolapse is often associated with straining to defecate, chronic diarrhea, or intestinal irritation, but the specific cause needs to be confirmed by a vet through examination and imaging. A veterinary evaluation is recommended.

What temporary measures can I take at home?

You can record when symptoms started, take photos or videos, keep the prolapsed tissue clean, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Do not apply any medication yourself or attempt to push the tissue back in — follow your vet's instructions.

Does prolapse require surgery?

Whether surgery is needed depends on the underlying cause and recurrence of the prolapse. Your vet will determine whether conservative treatment or surgery is appropriate based on the examination and imaging results. Please consult your vet for an evaluation.

What information should I bring to the vet appointment?

Bring the timeline of when symptoms started, videos or photos, a stool sample (if possible), and a list of current medications and any known allergies. This will help speed up the vet's assessment and decision-making.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Rectal and Anal Prolapse in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Guide [2025]

Rectal or anal prolapse requiring manual reduction or surgery

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: WSAVA, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Prolapsed tissue with continuous heavy bleeding that does not stop
•Prolapsed tissue turning dark or black in color
•Prolapse persisting for several hours without reduction and the pet is visibly weak

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Frequent straining to defecate with no improvement
•Recurrent visible protrusion of red mucosa or tissue from the anus
•Increased blood or blood streaks on stool during defecation

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Rectal or anal tissue protruding from the anus, straining to defecate, or blood in the stool may also affect your pet's appetite and energy levels.

Frequent straining to defecate or signs of tenesmus (urgent need to defecate with little result)
Visible red mucosa or tissue protruding from the anus
Blood or streaks of blood in the stool during defecation
Reduced activity, decreased appetite, or abnormal body temperature
Seek veterinary care if the prolapsed tissue cannot retract on its own or if the condition worsens

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ The prolapsed tissue is bleeding profusely and continuously
⚠️ The prolapsed tissue has turned dark or black in color
⚠️ The prolapse has not retracted after several hours and your pet appears weak or lethargic

02How to assess the situation at home: Key observations and emergency criteria

Observing and recording key information at home helps your vet quickly assess the severity of the situation.

Note the time of the first episode and each subsequent recurrence
Take photos or videos of the prolapse or straining episodes on your phone for reference
Record defecation frequency, stool consistency, and whether straining is present
Monitor changes in appetite, water intake, and activity level
Weigh your pet regularly and track any short-term weight changes
Bring all recorded observations to the vet appointment for the veterinarian's reference

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common examination procedures

After arriving at the clinic, a physical examination along with imaging and lab tests will be used to assess the cause of the prolapse and any complications.

Physical examination

palpation of the anus and abdomen to assess location and pain response

X-ray

to evaluate the position of abdominal organs and intestines

CT scan

advanced imaging for complex or recurrent cases

Blood and biochemistry tests

to assess infection, dehydration, and organ function

Urinalysis

to evaluate hydration status and urinary tract health

04How is it treated after diagnosis? Medications, dietary adjustments, and care guide

Treatment ranges from conservative management to surgery; post-treatment follow-up and medication compliance are equally important.

Short-term management focuses on cleaning, keeping tissue moist, and controlling infection and pain
Dietary management and stool softeners to reduce straining during defecation
Regular follow-up visits to monitor tissue recovery and bowel movements
If conservative treatment is ineffective, a specialist will evaluate whether surgical intervention is needed
After discharge, follow the vet's medication instructions and watch for signs of recurrence

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet quickly assess the cause

Bring a timeline of when symptoms started and how they have changed

Prepare videos or photos of the prolapse or straining, and a stool sample if possible

List all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies

Inform the clinic whether your pet has had any previous related surgeries or treatments

It is advisable to call ahead to describe the situation and book an appointment at a clinic with imaging facilities

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Mass

Abnormal growth

Tenesmus

Straining to defecate

Ulcer

Open sore