Cloacal Organ Prolapse
What is a Cloacal Organ Prolapse?
A Cloacal Organ Prolapse is when tissue normally located within the cloaca (the excretory orifice of reptiles) protrudes for an extended period of time. This tissue may be any of the structures located within the cloaca. This includes structures associated with the bladder, reproductive organs (penis or oviducts), or colon.
How do I know if my pet may have a Cloacal Organ Prolapse?
Cloacal organ prolapses appear as a large swelling of moist tissue protruding from the cloaca. The color of the tissue depends on the species, the organ that is prolapsed, and the duration of the prolapse. It is normal for reptiles, especially males, to protrude their copulatory organ (penis or hemipenes) for short periods of time. However persistent exposure is not normal and often you may notice these animals dragging it as they walk. Exposure of colonic or bladder tissue is never normal.
What causes Cloacal Organ Prolapses?
Typically cloacal organ prolapses result from some form of underlying illness, examples include:
• Chronic low blood calcium results in decreased strength of the muscles responsible for keeping and normally retracting these structures within the cloaca.
• Straining to urinate, defecate or lay eggs which can be caused by internal parasites, egg binding, bladder stones, urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract infection, tumors within the cloaca or pelvis, or constipation.
• Neurologic dysfunction - the nerves controlling these organs become damaged in some form preventing normal retraction back into the cloaca.
• Excessive libido - males excessively and repeatedly protrude their copulatory organ causing it to become extremely engorged and difficult for them to retract.
• Trauma either from mating injuries or other males.
• Obesity.
What should I do if I suspect my pet as a Cloacal Organ Prolapse?
Prolonged exposure of these tissues can result in significant damage. Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian immediately to prevent life-threatening complications. It is important to keep the organ as clean as possible and to prevent the organ from becoming dried out. Gently rinse away debris with clean cool water and then apply a water based lubricant or triple antibiotic ointment. Your veterinarian will be able to determine appropriate treatment.
How are Cloacal Organ Prolapses treated?
Treatment of cloacal organ prolapses depends on the organ prolapsed and the condition of the prolapsed tissue. In many cases where tissue remains healthy your veterinarian will be able to reduce and replace the prolapse. Sedation or even general anesthesia may be required, especially in larger tortoises. Sugar dressings are often used to reduce the swelling to help replace the tissue. Following replacement a purse string suture is placed. This reduces the cloacal opening and helps prevent reprolapse while the tissue is allowed to heal. These sutures will then be removed later. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
If the prolapsed tissue is severely infected or the tissue has died it may need surgery to be debrided or amputated. This is common in penile and oviduct prolapses where the tissue has become extensively traumatized. The good news is because these structures are not used for urination or defecation these animals normally do very well post surgery as long as the animal itself is healthy.
Your veterinarian will also address the underlying causes of your pet’s prolapse. They will help you evaluate your husbandry recommend any necessary changes. If problems are identified they will need to be corrected or prolapses are likely to recur later. Depending on the type of prolapse your veterinarian may also recommend bloodwork, x-rays, or fecal parasite testing.
Can’t I just put table sugar on this at home and replace it myself?
Replacing these tissues can be difficult and the potential exists these tissues can tear if it’s not done properly. Tearing may result in penetrating injuries into the body cavity, horrible infection, and death. Sugar is also a great source of food for bacteria which is why systemic antibiotics are always indicated following this procedure. It is much safer for your pet if a licensed veterinarian with experience working with reptiles performs this procedure.
References
Mader, DR. 2006. Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier. St. Louis, MO.
McArthur, S., R. Wilkinson, & J. Meyer. 2004. Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles. Blackwell Publishing. Ames, IA.
