Vaginal Prolapse in Sheep: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Vaginal prolapse in sheep happens when part of the vaginal tissue turns outward and protrudes through the vulva. It is seen most often in mature ewes during the last trimester of pregnancy, when the growing uterus, hormone-related tissue relaxation, and abdominal pressure all increase. In mild cases, the tissue may only appear when the ewe is lying down and slip back in when she stands. In more serious cases, the prolapse stays out continuously and becomes swollen, dry, or injured.

This is not the same as a uterine prolapse. A vaginal prolapse happens before lambing in most cases, while a uterine prolapse happens after delivery. That difference matters because treatment, urgency, and risks are not the same. A vaginal prolapse can interfere with urination, lead to tissue trauma, and make lambing more complicated if it is not addressed promptly.

For pet parents and flock managers, the key point is that this is a true veterinary problem, not something to watch for a few days. Early treatment is often more straightforward and may help prevent tissue damage, bladder problems, and recurrence before lambing.

Vaginal prolapse is usually caused by several factors happening at once rather than one single trigger. The biggest setup is late pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges, pressure inside the abdomen rises. At the same time, hormones such as estrogen and relaxin soften the tissues of the pelvic canal and perineum. When a ewe lies down, that pressure can push the vaginal floor outward.

Other common contributors include carrying multiple lambs, being overconditioned, rumen fill or abdominal distention, and limited exercise. Housed ewes may be at higher risk than pastured ewes, likely because they spend more time recumbent and may have less muscle tone. Some feeds and pastures with estrogen-like effects, including certain clovers or mycotoxin-contaminated feed, may also contribute in some flocks.

There also appears to be a hereditary component. Some breeds and family lines are affected more often, and ewes with a previous prolapse are more likely to have another one. Tail docking too short can damage support structures and may increase risk. Because of that recurrence pattern, many vets advise removing affected ewes from the breeding pool after recovery.

Your vet usually diagnoses vaginal prolapse by history and physical exam. The timing matters. A ewe in late pregnancy with protruding smooth pink-to-red tissue from the vulva strongly suggests vaginal prolapse. Your vet will also assess whether the prolapse is intermittent or constant, how swollen the tissue is, and whether the cervix, bladder, or other structures may be involved.

The exam also helps separate vaginal prolapse from uterine prolapse, trauma, vaginal tears, or a mass. In advanced cases, your vet may check whether the ewe is able to urinate, whether the bladder is trapped, and whether the tissue is still healthy enough to replace. If the ewe is near lambing or appears systemically ill, your vet may also evaluate fetal status, hydration, calcium status, and overall lambing risk.

This is one reason early veterinary care matters. A mild prolapse can often be managed before major swelling develops. Once tissue becomes badly traumatized, infected, or necrotic, treatment becomes more difficult and the outlook can worsen.

Prevention starts long before lambing season. Aim for appropriate body condition rather than overconditioning, and work with your vet or nutrition advisor to avoid overfeeding late-gestation ewes. Balanced rations matter, especially for ewes carrying multiples. Good exercise and enough space to move may also help reduce risk in housed flocks.

Review feed and pasture sources if your flock has repeated prolapse problems. Estrogenic forages, some clovers, and certain mycotoxins may contribute in susceptible animals. Tail docking should not be done excessively short, because support structures near the tail head help support the pelvic region.

Flock selection is also important. Ewes with a history of vaginal prolapse are at higher risk of recurrence, so many vets recommend culling affected animals from the breeding pool. Watch high-risk ewes closely in the last weeks of pregnancy, especially older ewes, overconditioned ewes, and those carrying twins or triplets. Catching a small intermittent prolapse early may be the best prevention against a much more serious emergency.