It is very important that you spot the problem early so that you can prevent the condition from getting any worse and still have a successful pregnancy. However, if a ewe has had a prolapsed uterus in the past, it is likely to happen again so the ewe is likely to be culled.
One way of treating
the prolapsed uterus it to provide the ewe with a harness, which are very
useful in situations where the prolapse is detected early. There is also little
trauma to the sheep or risk of contamination. However, they must be fitted
carefully to prevent sores developing and inspected regularly. The harness
applies pressure to the abdomen of the ewe and will stop the uterus from
prolapsing again. Although lambing can occur whilst a harness is worn by the
sheep, it is advised to keep a close eye on the sheep and remove the harness
after the ewe going into labour.
Another way of treating a prolapsed uterus is to use a Plastic
retention device. The device in placed inside the vagina
and held in place by ties. They work
better in mild early cases. Or the farmer could choose to use a Buhner suture. This has to be put in place by a vet as done wrongly it could cause more damage. The sutures must be removed for lambing and for examination of the ewe's reproductive tract when labour is suspected, and they are difficult to retie.
The farmer that I was shadowing found that the harnesses worked better for him so he only used the harnesses rather than the retention device or suturing, although other farmers may say differently. As I only saw the use of a harness, I think it is best that I only really talk about that method of treatment.
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