Introduction

• A rare condition of rabbits. 
• The prolapsed tissue consists of the vestibulum of the vagina due to over-expanded blood sinuses.
• Cause: precise cause uncertain - possible causes include:
  • Hormonal stimulation during periods of increased sexual activity.
  • Straining during gestation or dystocia.
  • Parturition.
  • Urinary tract infection/urolithiasis.
  • Trauma.
  • Mycotoxicosis. 
• Signs: edematous vagina tissue visible at vulval orifice, dysuria, urine scald, lethargy, anorexia.
• Diagnosis: physical examination, palpation.
• Treatment: depends on extent of prolapsed tissue.
• Prognosis: good to poor depending on time prolapsed and severity of prolapse.

Presenting signs

• Edematous vaginal tissue protruding from vulva .
• Dysuria and urine scalding present in some cases Moist dermatitis.
• Lethargy.

Age predisposition

• No specific age predisposition.

Breed predisposition

• None determined.

Cost considerations

• Mild cases detected early may be managed without excessive costs.
• Severe cases may involve considerable costs, with intensive care and surgery (usually ovariohysterectomy Ovariohysterectomy) and supportive treatment required.

Special risks, eg anesthetic

• Hypovolemic shock.
• Blood loss.
• Gastrointestinal stasis Gastric dilation and stasis/ileus Gastrointestinal: ileus.
• General anesthesia Anesthesia: general.

Pathogenesis

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Capello V (2005) Surgical techniques for neutering the female pet rabbit. Exotic DVM 7 (5), 15-21.
• Greenacre C et al (1999) Urinary bladder aversion in rabbit does. Comp Cont Educ Pract Vet 21 (6), 524-528.
• Singh M, Singh M, Nigam J M (1998) Rupture of vagina in an Angora rabbit. Indian J Vet Surg 19 (2), 126 VetMedResource. 
• Van Herck H, Hesp A P, Versluis A et al (1989) Prolapsus vaginae in the IIIVO/JU rabbit. Lab Animals 23 (4), 333-336 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Saunders R & Davies R (2005) Vaginal Prolapse. In: Notes on Rabbit Internal Medicine. pp 170.