Prolapse in sheep is a serious but manageable condition that requires prompt action to protect the ewe and save her life. There are two main types, vaginal and uterine, and each calls for a different response. Most vaginal prolapses happen in the last days or weeks of pregnancy, while uterine prolapses occur after lambing. In both cases, the sooner you act, the better the outcome.
Vaginal vs. Uterine Prolapse
Knowing which type you’re dealing with changes everything about your response. A vaginal prolapse appears as smooth tissue protruding from the vulva. It usually starts small, but if the ewe keeps straining, more tissue pushes out and eventually the cervix becomes visible. This happens before lambing, typically in late pregnancy when the lamb’s weight puts pressure on the pelvic floor.
A uterine prolapse looks very different. The tissue is covered in raised, round structures called caruncles, often described as looking like small meatballs. The placenta may still be attached. This only happens after lambing, when a ewe continues pushing and forces the uterus out through the vagina. If you see a uterine prolapse, there should be a lamb (or aborted fetus) somewhere nearby, because a ewe cannot prolapse her uterus while still pregnant. Uterine prolapses are a veterinary emergency and require professional help immediately.
Cleaning and Replacing a Vaginal Prolapse
If you find a ewe with a vaginal prolapse, the first priority is protecting the exposed tissue from further contamination and damage. Gently clean the prolapsed tissue in warm water with a mild disinfectant solution. If you need to transport the ewe to a vet, cover the prolapse with a towel soaked in warm water during the trip.
The replacement should be done with the ewe standing. There is no reason to hang her upside down by her hind legs. A veterinarian can administer a caudal epidural injection, which numbs the area and stops the ewe from straining. In some cases, once the epidural takes effect, the prolapse returns to its normal position on its own within about five minutes. If it doesn’t, apply gentle pressure around the prolapse using obstetrical lubricant to help ease it back in.
If the bladder has been pulled into the prolapse (which sometimes happens), it needs to be emptied first, as a full bladder makes replacement much harder. To position the tissue correctly during replacement, lift it toward the anus rather than pushing straight in. If the tissue is swollen, a hypertonic solution of salt or sugar water can help draw out fluid and reduce the swelling before you attempt to push it back. Avoid applying dry sugar or salt granules directly, as they can damage the delicate tissue surface.
Keeping the Prolapse In Place
Getting the prolapse back in is only half the job. It will often come right back out unless you use some form of retention. There are two main options available to shepherds.
- Prolapse harness: A harness fits around the ewe and applies pressure around the edges of the vulva to keep the tissue inside. Fit it snugly but check it regularly for rubbing or pressure sores. As lambing approaches, loosen or remove the harness entirely so the ewe can deliver normally.
- Spoon or T-piece retainer: This device has a T-shaped piece that sits just inside the vagina and is secured to the ewe with string or tape. The ewe can technically lamb past the device, but it should be removed at lambing time to avoid complications.
For more severe or recurring cases, a veterinarian may place a retention suture. The Bühner stitch is a well-known technique where suture material is buried beneath the skin around the vulva to hold it closed. This is done under epidural anesthesia after the prolapse has been cleaned and replaced. The suture must be cut before lambing so the ewe can deliver.
Pain Relief and Stopping Straining
Straining is what causes the prolapse in the first place and what pushes it back out after replacement. Breaking the straining cycle is critical. A caudal epidural, administered by a vet at the base of the tail, is the most effective option. Research on 61 sheep found that an epidural combining a sedative and local anesthetic provided pain relief within two minutes and eliminated forceful straining for at least 24 hours in 92% of ewes with vaginal prolapse and in all nine ewes treated for uterine prolapse. This kind of pain control makes replacement far easier and dramatically reduces the chance of immediate recurrence.
What Causes Prolapse in the First Place
Prolapse doesn’t have a single cause. It results from a combination of factors that increase abdominal pressure or weaken the tissues supporting the reproductive tract. Body condition plays a significant role, but the relationship isn’t straightforward. In some flocks, affected ewes were confirmed to be overfed, carrying excess internal fat that increases pressure on the pelvic floor. In at least one other studied flock, affected ewes actually had significantly lower body condition scores than their flockmates. Both extremes create risk, so maintaining moderate body condition through late pregnancy is the goal.
Other contributing factors include carrying multiples (twins or triplets add weight and pressure), short dock length (removing too much tail reduces structural support around the pelvis), steep paddock terrain that forces ewes to walk with hindquarters elevated, and bulky low-quality feed that fills the rumen and increases abdominal pressure. Overcrowding also adds stress. Research shows that sheep housed at higher stocking densities spend less time lying down, engage in more aggressive interactions, and experience more physical contact with other animals, all of which raise stress levels in late-pregnant ewes.
Monitoring After Treatment
Once you’ve replaced the prolapse and fitted a retainer or harness, the ewe needs close daily observation. Check that the device hasn’t shifted, that no tissue is protruding around it, and that the vulva area isn’t swollen or discolored. Watch for signs of infection like foul-smelling discharge, fever, or the ewe going off feed.
As lambing approaches, you need to be especially attentive. Any retention device or suture must be loosened or removed before delivery, or the ewe won’t be able to lamb and you’ll face a life-threatening obstruction. Some ewes that had a vaginal prolapse before lambing will go on to develop a uterine prolapse afterward, particularly if they have a difficult delivery. Others may have the vaginal prolapse recur after lambing and need the harness or spoon refitted for several more days.
Breeding Decisions for Affected Ewes
Prolapse tends to recur. A ewe that prolapses in one pregnancy is at elevated risk of doing it again the following year. For this reason, culling affected ewes from the breeding flock is standard practice on most operations. If a ewe has prolapsed once and recovers well, some producers will give her one more chance, but a second occurrence is a clear signal to remove her permanently. Keeping detailed records of which ewes prolapse, and which rams sired their lambs, helps you identify whether a genetic predisposition is running through your flock. Selecting replacement stock from ewes that have never prolapsed is one of the most effective long-term strategies for reducing the problem.