There are 3 common types of prolapse: rectal, penile, and intestinal. This occurs when the organs slip out of an ackie’s cloacal opening and become stuck there. This is very dangerous and requires immediate action, as the affected tissue can become traumatized, desiccated (dried out), or suffer other ill effects from compromised blood flow.
Symptoms
- Pink/red/purple flesh hanging out of cloaca and not retracting
Cause
- Impaction
- Poor muscle tone
- Old age
- Malnutrition
- High parasite load
- Ingestion of large-particle substrate
- Egg binding
- Constipation
Treatment
Before you panic, wait to see if the tissue goes back in. This is especially important in the case of males, as they may temporarily evert their hemipenes while defecating, which is perfectly normal.
If the tissue seems to be genuinely stuck, make an emergency vet appointment immediately.
While you wait, clean the affected area with cool, room temperature water and place the ackie in a shallow container to soak in a heavy sugar water solution. Sometimes this is enough to encourage the prolapsed tissue to retract. However, if the prolapse does seem to have resolved, it’s still a good idea to go to the vet to get your ackie checked out.
If the prolapse persists, when it’s time to go to the vet, swab the prolapsed tissue with KY Jelly and place your ackie in a ventilated plastic transport container lined with damp paper towels.
If the prolapse is not treated fast enough, surgical amputation of the affected tissue will be necessary. This typically involves placing the prolapsed tissue back inside the ackie’s body and suturing the vent closed while the primary issue is corrected.
More ackie monitor health topics:
- Egg Binding
- Egg Cycling
- Gout
- Impaction
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Mites
- Obesity
- Parasites
- Respiratory Infection
- Sexing
- Shedding