PROLAPSES

What is a prolapse you may ask, well a prolapse is when your reptile's rectum, colon, urinary bladder, oviduct or kidney is forced out through its vent. Prolapses may occur in all species of reptiles, but are most commonly seen in captive reptiles that are fed a diet that consists of crickets and mealworm. They are also seen in reptiles that are kept on a ground medium that consists of any type of shavings. Other common causes of prolapse are heavy parasite loads; this is most often indicated when the colon or rectum is involved. For this reason one of the most important aspects of treatment involves the identification of the underlying cause. Here in this section we will discuss prolapses, their cause and treatment.

• Parasites
• Constipation
• Gastric Foriegn Body
• Diahrea
• Hypocalcemia

When the colon and/or rectum become prolapsed it is a good possibility that an intestinal parasite is involved. The reason for this is because when a parasite load becomes too great the animals' intestinal tract can become blocked. When the animal attempts to defecate it is unable to do so and begins to strain. This strain then places pressure on the organs located near the vent in the direction of the vent (caudal pressure). It is this caudal pressure that causes the actual prolapse.

Constipation may occur as a result of an improper diet, parasites, or a gastric foreign body, but what ever the cause, if it is left untreated the effected reptile will continue to strain which can lead to a prolapse do to caudal pressure on the lower organs.

A Gastric Foreign Body is any object that is foreign to the reptile, which has been deliberately or inadvertently swallowed and ingested. The two most commonly seen types of foreign bodies seen in reptiles are ingested pieces of bedding and Endo skeletons or Exo skeletons of prey animals such as the hard outer shells of crickets and mealworms or the hind limbs of rodents that become lodged in the rectum or intestines. All of these can cause prolapsed.

Diarrhea may cause prolapse as a result of frequent deification and constant pressure and use of the involved organs. When diarrhea is involved it is usually secondary to one of the conditions listed above, most likely parasites which may often times cause loose and excessive stools.

Hypocalcemia is the most commonly over-looked cause of prolapse as a direct result of excessive loss of calcium, which plays a vital role in muscle contraction and therefor-anal tone. Metabolic diseases should always be considered when prolapse occurs, particularly in herbivorous lizards such as green iguanas.

The first and most important rule when treating a prolapse is NEVER ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE PROLAPSE BACK INTO PLACE. This is important, because often times the internal organs located near the prolapsed organ(s) will more than likely have migrated and by pushing a prolapse back into place you run the risk of damaging other organs.

The first step is to determine the condition of the organ(s) involved to decide whether it will be ok to surgically replace the organs or to excise them depending on the time since the prolapse occurred and the damage involved. This is best done by a qualified reptile veterinarian who may then perform the necessary procedure. The one important thing that a reptile owner can do is to apply a compress of Kayro Syrup to the prolapse to help to reduce it and to keep it moist until proper veterinary help may be provided. It is important to avoid delay when a prolapse is involved. Early detection and treatment is vital to the reptile's recovery. This can prove life threatening if left untreated.

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