Common Disorders affecting sheep - Ewe reproductive disorders

Vaginal Prolapse

• seen in ewes and ewe lambs in the later stages of pregnancy.

• mild vaginal prolapses are difficult to detect. Sometimes if the ewe is lying down a small round protrusion of the vaginal wall from the vulva will be seen. As the problem progresses, more of the vaginal wall can be seen.

• drying, infection, irritation and freezing of the tissues lead to the ewe straining. If the prolapse is large enough the urethra may become blocked and the ewe will be unable to urinate.

• in very severe cases, the vaginal wall will tear, the intestines may be pushed out, and the ewe will die quickly.

Cause

• over-conditioned ewes

• too much coarse roughage

• genetic predisposition

• overcrowding at feeders

• hypocalcaemia, calcium phosphorous (Ca:P) imbalance in diet)

• excessive coughing or straining

• age: three year old and older ewes more susceptible

• internal pressure and lack of room, e.g., full rumen, multiple lamb pregnancy

Treatment

• needs immediate attention

• clean prolapsed tissue gently with a mild disinfect and replace.

• If found in early stages the prolapse may be replaced quite easily

• more difficult or almost impossible if found caked with manure, sunburned or frozen

• there are products on the market that can be used to hold it in position, for example, plastic spoon-shaped retainers and trusses.

• a veterinarian should be consulted before attempting suturing of tissue

Prevention

• provide adequate feeder space to prevent ewes from pushing and shoving for grain.

• provide a high quality of roughage during the last trimester of pregnancy to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake, especially calcium.

• cull affected ewes (although the problem will correct itself after lambing, it will probably occur with future pregnancies)

• don’t use offspring from such ewes as replacement breeding stock

• do not dock tails too short

Uterine Prolapse

• occurs directly after lambing

• uterus becomes inverted and hangs from the vagina as a large red mass with the cotyledons or “buttons” readily identifiable.

• if the ewe appears very weak, has pale mucus membranes, and feels cold, she is most likely haemorrhaging internally and little can be done to save her.

Cause

• excessive straining from difficult births is often the cause

• genetic predisposition?

Treatment

• uterine prolapse is an emergency - call your veterinarian immediately.

• an epidural anesthetic will be given to prevent straining and the prolapse gently washed and replaced. The vulva will be sutured closed to prevent a recurrence.

Prevention

• if the water bag breaks, but there is no further progress within an hour, the ewe should be examined, and if possible the problem corrected before the ewe becomes exhausted

• get competent help for difficult lambing cases

• ensure adequate rations during the last stage of pregnancy

• prevent ewes from becoming obese

Malignant Edema

• hot, puffy, painful swelling in the region of vulva (greenish discoloration)

• ewe depressed, off feed, quite ill, could be quite lame on one side in early stages

• death usually follows in 24 hours.

Cause

• a deadly clostridial disease (bacteria Clostridium septicum and C.chauxei) commonly seen at lambing time

• failure to properly wash your hands before assisting a lambing ewe

• unsanitary lambing facilities

• bruising, laceration of vagina during lambing

• infected afterbirth membranes

Treatment

• none

Prevention

• Clostridial vaccination

• wash hand and clean vulva using soap and warm water before attempting to help the ewe during lambing