Livestock

Rectal Prolapse in Sheep: Welfare and Management

Rectal prolapse is a painful condition in sheep that requires prompt veterinary treatment and has significant welfare implications when undetected or inadequately managed.

Key Facts

Rectal prolapse occurs when rectal tissue protrudes through the anus, most commonly in lambs
Risk factors include coughing, diarrhoea, tail docking too short and confinement on slatted floors
Prolapses require prompt replacement or amputation to prevent tissue necrosis and pain
Affected animals should be removed from competition or sale until fully recovered

Welfare Considerations

Exposed rectal tissue rapidly becomes oedematous, contaminated and necrotic causing severe pain. Untreated prolapses lead to tissue death, septicaemia and a prolonged welfare-compromising course before death. Welfare priorities include identifying affected animals promptly through twice-daily checks, prompt manual replacement if fresh, seeking veterinary assistance for amputation or suturing in persistent cases, and addressing predisposing factors.

What You Can Do

Check lambs and sheep twice daily for rectal prolapse, especially in housed systems
Address predisposing factors including excessive coughing and slatted floor exposure in high-risk groups
Seek immediate veterinary treatment for prolapsed animals
Ensure tail docking is performed leaving adequate tail length to cover the vulva and anus