Incidence of Prolapsesin Ewes

Abstract

In the last 3 weeks of pregnancy ofmature ewes, many things can go wrong. In this thesis we review the varying prolapses that may occur just prior to or post parturition. These include vaginal/cervical prolapse, vaginal rupture/intestinal evisceration and uterine prolapse.Vaginal prolapseoccurs in about1% of ewes, although some flocks will report no incidences whilst in others the rate can be as high as 7%.Evisceration of intestines through a tear in the dorsal vaginal wall occurs spontaneously in heavily pregnant ewes during the last month of gestation.