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Vaginal prolapse in sheep
Vaginal prolapse is the exit from the vagina through the vulva, in the form of a pink or red mass, more or less large. It mainly occurs in sheep in the last weeks of gestation. At first, the mass only comes out when the ewe is lying down an...
What is it?
Vaginal prolapse is the exit from the vagina through the vulva, in the form of a pink or red mass, more or less large. It mainly occurs in sheep in the last weeks of gestation.
At first, the mass only comes out when the ewe is lying down and goes in when it gets up. Then it constantly comes out, swells, gets dirty and damaged.
This is an emergency, and for two reasons. The exposed tissue dries out, becomes injured and becomes infected very quickly; and the ewe, which pushes because of the discomfort, aggravates the prolapse to the point of risking rupture or exit of the uterus.
Key point
A vaginal prolapse is an emergency. You should never try to reduce it yourself: handling an uncalmed sheep tears the tissue and immediately brings out the prolapse.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Pink or red mass emerging from the vulva, the size of a fist or more, visible especially when the ewe is lying down.
At the next stage, the mass remains outside even upright, swells, turns dark red, dry or soiled with litter and earth.
A sheep that grows as if it is giving birth, even though it is not full term.
Difficulty urinating, reduced or absent streams of urine, sheep which remains in a position to urinate without being able to do so: this is a sign of seriousness.
Vulvar discharge, sometimes bloody or smelly if the tissue is damaged.
Sheep that eats less, isolates itself, stays lying down, shows pain.
In older forms, sores, scabs or blackened areas on the exposed mass.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The cause is too much pressure at the back of the stomach at the end of gestation, associated with a relaxation of the ligaments under the effect of hormones at the end of gestation.
Any situation which increases abdominal pressure or which pushes the ewe to strain favors prolapse: large volume of the uterus, multiple litters, rumen very full with bulky fodder, coughing, constipation.
A sheep that is too fat has more fat in the pelvis and poorer quality support tissue.
The sloping lying position, the hindquarters lower than the front, favors exit.
An individual and family predisposition exists: a ewe which has prolapsed will often do it again the following year.
Final weeks of gestation, particularly in ewes carrying multiple lambs.
Ewe too fat, or conversely in poor condition.
Bulky ration, large quantities of roughage, sudden changes in feed.
Lack of exercise, sheep lying down for a long time.
Sleeping on a slope or poorly designed building.
History of prolapse in the ewe or in its lineage.
Chronic cough, constipation, straining for other reasons.
Old and multiparous ewes.
Tail cut too short, which weakens support for the perineum.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
Call the vet as soon as you see something coming out: the longer the tissue remains out, the more it swells and the more difficult and painful it becomes to put it back in place.
The veterinarian assesses the condition of the tissue, checks whether the ewe can urinate, whether the prolapse contains the bladder, and whether lambing work has begun.
It calms the sheep and the pain before any manipulation: without it, it pushes and immediately rejects what has been put back in place.
It cleans, reduces swelling, puts the vagina back in place, then holds it with a suitable device or temporary suture, which will need to be removed at lambing time.
He will explain to you how to monitor the ewe until giving birth, and what sign to call back.
While waiting for its arrival: put the ewe in a clean, mulched, flat pen, isolated from the rest of the flock to avoid jostling. Keep the fabric clean and damp according to the instructions he will give you over the phone. Don't rub it, don't apply anything to it on your own, or try to push it away.
Treatment
Veterinary care is provided. It includes cleaning the tissue, reducing swelling, putting it back in place, then maintaining it to prevent recurrence until lambing.
Treatment of pain is essential: a ewe that has not grown well, and a ewe that is growing will show its prolapse.
Anti-infective treatment is often necessary because the exposed tissue has become contaminated.
The holding device must be monitored daily and removed at the right time: if it remains in place at the start of lambing, the ewe cannot give birth and the outcome is dramatic. This is the most important point to remember.
After lambing, the prolapse usually corrects itself once the uterus is emptied.
If the tissue is necrotic, if the ewe is very damaged or if there are repeated recurrences, the veterinarian can suggest another course of action, including culling after lambing.
Never attempt to put it back in place alone, without calming the ewe or holding it: the tissue tears easily and infection follows.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Monitor the body condition of pregnant ewes: avoid ewes that are too fat at the end of gestation.
Divide the ration into several meals and avoid very bulky fodder at the end of gestation, when there is not enough space in the belly.
Ensure a flat, dry and comfortable bed, and allow pregnant ewes to exercise.
Avoid overloading and jostling at the trough, which causes the heaviest ewes to strain.
Do not cut the tails too short.
Note the ewes which prolapse: they often recur the following year, and it is reasonable not to keep them for reproduction.
Monitor ewes carrying multiple litters closely in the final weeks.
Treat the causes of cough or constipation, which cause the ewe to grow.
Possible complications
Drying, injury and necrosis of exposed tissue.
Local then general infection, with life risk.
Retention of urine if the bladder is caught in prolapse: the ewe can no longer urinate, the bladder becomes distended and may rupture.
Rupture of the vagina and exit of organs from the abdomen: almost always fatal outcome.
Abortion or premature lambing, death of lambs.
Exiting the uterus at the time of lambing.
Impossible to lamb if the holding device has not been removed in time.
Recurrence in the following gestation.
When to see a veterinarian
You see a pink or red mass coming out of your ewe's vulva, even if it goes back in when the ewe gets up: call the same day.
The mass remains out, swells, becomes dirty or changes color.
The ewe grows outside of giving birth.
She no longer urinates or is no longer able to urinate: immediate emergency.
She is depressed, no longer eats, stays in bed.
She begins to lamb while a holding device is in place: this is an absolute emergency, it must be removed immediately.
In any case, do not try to put the prolapse back into place yourself.
Prognosis
Caught early, with the tissue still clean and not very swollen, the prolapse returns to its place and the ewe lambs normally.
Caught late, with damaged and infected tissue, the prognosis is guarded for both the ewe and the lambs.
Recurrence at the following gestation is frequent: this is a reasonable criterion for culling for many breeders.
Frequently asked questions
The mass returns on its own when the sheep gets up: is it still serious?
Yes, this is the first stage and it is the best time to act. Without treatment, the prolapse ends up remaining outside, swelling and becoming damaged. Call at this point.
Can I put it back in place myself and monitor?
No. On a growing ewe, putting it back in place without calming the animal and without support does not hold, and the manipulation tears an already fragile tissue. It's a veterinary gesture.
Will the ewe be able to give birth normally?
Often yes, provided that the retaining device is removed from the start of work. This is why the ewe must be monitored very closely until lambing.
Should we keep it for reproduction the following year?
Recurrence is common and the predisposition seems to be transmitted. Many breeders choose to cull these ewes after lambing, and not keep their ewe lambs for replacement.
Is this the same as a prolapsed uterus?
No. Vaginal prolapse mainly occurs before lambing; uterine prolapse occurs just after giving birth, the mass is much larger and it is an even more serious emergency. Both require calling immediately.
References
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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