Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
uterine infection and sterility. Nutritional defi ciencies, particularly selenium
defi ciency, seem to play a role in retention of the afterbirth.
Vaginal Prolapse
Prolapse of the vagina is most common before lambing, but it occasionally
follows a diffi cult labor. The vaginal lining is seen as a red mass protruding
from the genital opening. Do not delay treatment, for it will worsen progres-
sively and become more diffi cult to repair. Early detection is important. Even
though this problem occurs infrequently, be on the watch for it.
If the lining is just barely protruding, confi ne the ewe in a crate that ele-
vates her hind end, thus decreasing the pressure. Leave her head out to eat, and
feed her mostly on grain plus some green feed (like grass, weeds, or apples).
Avoid ground-up grain or rolled oats; the dust might cause coughing.
A more certain solution, which also
should be started as soon as possible to
increase the chance for success, is to use
a prolapse retainer (otherwise known as a
ewe-bearing retainer), which is a fl at, plas-
tic tongue. Alternatively, you can make your
own prolapse loop:
1.
Use
1
⁄
16
-inch (1.02 cm) wire.
2.
Cover only the loop part with soft
rubber tubing as a cushion.
3.
Slip the rubber tubing onto the wire
before making the fi nal bends.
4.
Bend as shown at right.
5.
Disinfect the loop before use.
3"
maximum width
5" on small ewe
6" on average ewe
7-9" on large ewes
approximately 5"
bending a prolapse loop
Before attempting to insert the prolapse retainer, wash the prolapse and
elevate the ewe's hind end considerably. You can tie the ends of a length of
rope to each hind leg and loop the rope up over the top of a post, or have the
rope short enough to just go around your neck, so that the ewe is raised by it.
You can hold her steady in this position if she is on her back, with her hind
end raised and steadied by a bale of hay.
To use the retainer or loop to replace the protrusion, follow these steps:
1.
Cinch a rope or belt around the ewe's middle so that she cannot strain
after you replace the prolapse. Tie a ¼-inch (4.1 cm) rope securely around
her fl ank in front of the udder, but not so tight that she can't lie down or
