My tortoise had a prolapse. How can I help her poop more easily?

The increased in urination and sort stool ay be due to an increase in fluid intake or eating succulent fruits and vegetables. The soft stool can also be due to intestinal parasites. Bladder stones are also possible and would cause straining to urinate which could in turn cause a prolapse of the penis. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended. Bloodwork and xrays may provide a different. If indicated, your vet can provide supportive care (fluids, antibiotics, deworming, etc) if indicated. In the meantime, keep him warm. Consider increasing ambient temperature in his enclosure by several degrees. Soak him daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid. Decrease the amount fruit being fed. Make sure he continues to eat though.

Unfortunately, with repeated prolapses, the colon can become weaker and weaker, making it more prone to prolapse in the future. I would suspect that this is what is going on with Ducky. I agree that the best option at this time is to have a colopexy performed. I would also recommend having the removed piece of colon sent off to be examined histopathologically so that hopefully the underlying cause may be determined. I’m sorry you are going though this with Ducky. You are obviously a very caring owner. I hope this helps. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

I can’t really tell from the photo but it looks like a possible rectal prolapse. I suggest you deworm this dog and use granulated sugar on the prolapsed tissue. That should shrink it so it goes back in. This happens from straining to defecate so feed soft foods that are easy to digest. You can use amoxicillin if you have it. Be advised sometimes surgery is needed to fix this. ( https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/rectal-prolapse-protruding-rectum-in-the-dog ) If you need more assistance you can post again or opt for a private one on one consultation so we can chat back and forth. Best wishes.

They can and you definitely want to avoid them straining to defecate. It is best to feed very soft foods, bland and easy to digest as well. Also, your vet should have given you a type of laxative to make the stools soft until the surgery has healed. Did they do that? After the surgery has healed there should be no ill effects. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

He should start having an easier time pooping but could be difficult at first due to the pain and/or swelling. If you aren’t giving any stool softeners right now, I would contact your vet and ask for some to help with recovery. They may also want to recheck his incision. You can also add some canned pumpkin (~1 teaspoon) to his diet twice a day to help make the stool pass more easily. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using PetCoach. I’m sorry to hear about Lulu! Some mild protrusion during defecation and for a minute after is not uncommon and is usually nothing the worry about. However, I always deworm these guys anyways, as roundworms are a common cause of rectal prolapse. Something like this usually works if that’s the problem. VIP - TM-_-58700003271149947&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos={adpos}&scid=scplp1246100&sc_intid=1246100&kwid=p27187667103&device=m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoujYo_P72QIVj2p-Ch3FMwYjEAQYASABEgJ_ofD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Her stools look slightly soft which can also exacerbate this problem so I’d add 1 tsp benefiber powder to each meal. (Shouldn’t be a problem for the hypoallergenic trial.) If you are seeing more than 5mm of red anal tissue or it is staying “out” for more than 2 minutes, it’s time to see the vet. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Lulu.

Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. If he is on loose substrate, switch him to slate, paper towels or reptile carpeting to prevent material from sticking to his vent. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites.