Prolapse in sheep is a welfare emergency requiring prompt, skilled treatment. Prevention through management changes and culling of recurring cases reduces flock welfare burden.
Uterine and vaginal prolapse in sheep constitutes a welfare emergency requiring immediate intervention. The exposed prolapsed tissue is vulnerable to contamination, drying, traumatization, and predator injury. The discomfort of prolapse is significant — affected ewes are distressed, may attempt to strain repeatedly against the prolapse, and show behavioral pain indicators. Every hour of delay in treatment worsens tissue viability and increases the complexity and welfare burden of replacement.
Epidural analgesia before replacement dramatically improves welfare by eliminating the pain of manipulation and straining during replacement. Replacing prolapsed tissue through clean, lubricated procedures under appropriate restraint and analgesia provides the most welfare-positive outcomes. Retention sutures placed after replacement prevent immediate recurrence.