I continue to get calls daily about this issue and it’s not a simple or fun one. Vaginal prolapse is an inherited trait that can be aggravated by feeding uphill, multiple fetuses, lambing ewe lambs under a year of age, and difficult previous births. Ewe lambs lambing the first time seem to be the most vulnerable. Lambed as two-year-olds it is still there but the incidence is less.
A lot of people use harnesses and paddles or a combination thereof. I have given up on those procedures and rely on a U stich in vulva with 3/8 inch umbilical tape and a 4 ½ inch S shaped curved needle. This is the most effective and simplest procedure once you have done it. For a demonstration video, click here. You’ll find many other helpful videos there on our You Tube channel.
Commonly and discouragingly often, ewe lambs partially dilate their cervix prematurely. Generally, the cervix can be slowly forced dilated and lambs removed. Suture afterward, because, in this situation, uterine prolapse often follows. Older ewes that have lambed without evidence of prolapse on previous pregnancies usually dilate normally.
In all these procedures, it is essential that adequate lubrication is used when dilating. Preventative antibiotic therapy is indicated, generally, 10 to 15cc of penicillin is adequate. Once the ewe has lambed, 5cc of Dexamethasone once is indicated. With uterine prolapse insert antibiotics into the uterus. I find Terramycin Scour Tabs suitable for this purpose. Don’t attempt to forcibly remove the placenta, it will be expelled with time.
Occasionally, intestines are pushed through the vaginal wall and death ensues fairly quickly. When uterine prolapses are repaired, occasionally internal bleeding occurs and the animal dies. Both these situations are mostly unavoidable.
Do not retain off-spring for breeding.
Further information is available at askavetsheep.wordpress.com or Pipestone’s Veterinary Guide to Sheep and Goats, $20, prepaid shipping.
