Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Prolapse Prevention and Management

Uterine and vaginal prolapses in ewes cause severe welfare harm and require prompt management, with prevention focusing on risk factor reduction.

Key Facts

Vaginal prolapse in late pregnancy is influenced by high body condition, multiple foetuses, and genetics
Uterine prolapse occurring after lambing requires immediate veterinary intervention
Untreated prolapses rapidly become contaminated, infected, and irreducible
Ewes with vaginal prolapse history have high recurrence risk and should not be retained for breeding
Pain management during prolapse treatment and recovery is essential for welfare

Welfare Considerations

Prolapses cause severe acute welfare harm through pain, exposure of internal organs, and rapid deterioration if untreated. Vaginal prolapse in late pregnancy requires restraint and replacement under epidural anaesthesia. Uterine prolapse is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate intervention or euthanasia. Prevention through avoiding high body condition in late pregnancy and selective culling of prolapse-prone families reduces incidence.

What You Can Do

Monitor ewes in late pregnancy closely for early signs of vaginal prolapse
Contact your vet immediately if prolapse is detected - these are welfare emergencies
Treat all prolapses with appropriate pain management alongside physical management
Cull ewes that have prolapsed to prevent recurrence and remove genetic predisposition
Review body condition management in late pregnancy if prolapse rates are high