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My dog's prolapsed uterus is dark and painful. Was surgery right?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 13 years and 11 months old | 10 lbs

Hi. My 14 year old dog has prolapsed uterus. It's turned dark lately. After vet tried to push in and pin vagina as they do with cows. Fortunately I asked him to remove. She was in extreme pain.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 9th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh goodness, poor Bubbles!

I agree, if reducing the prolapse and tacking it did not work then spaying her and removing her uterus was the right thing to do. I am not sure if you had a specific question or not but I am glad that the problem is now fixed.

Please let me know if we can help you further! I wish you and Bubbles the very best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Yes I think you did ask the right procedure as spaying her is a definitive and resolutive treatment.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I answered your previous question, sadly your question must have been cut off. It seemed from your post that you stated that she was spayed at your request. I apologize for not understanding!

I am sorry that Bubbles is otherwise unable to handle anesthesia. The black color of her uterus indicates that the tissue is dying or is dead. If that tissue isn't resected or removed then it will become infected and will make her systemically sick. Sadly I think you are between a rock and a hard place. You either take the anesthesia risk to: 1) spay her or 2) to resect the dead tissue and reduce the prolapse and tack it or 3) try antibiotics and pain medications. I do not think the 3 rd option will go well. This is a personal decision on your part. If you decide not to do anesthesia/surgery and medications do not help and she worsens then you are only left with humane euthanasia. In the hands of an experienced Vet, a spay should not take very long. There are safe drugs available. Nothing is guaranteed and there are risks to anesthesia for everyone regardless of age and other underling diseases.

Again I apologize for not understanding your original post and I hope this helps better. I wish you all the very best!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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