Prolapsed rectum

[PotterWatch]

I have seen it twice on one of the young ewes we bought several weeks ago. Both times I saw it were on the same day and it went back in quickly. We aren't out with the sheep all the time, so I'm not sure if this has been occurring before now or not. We had the vet out the day I noticed it and asked her about it though she didn't see it (she was out casting the broken leg of one of our bucklings). She said that if we continue to notice it, we shouldn't breed that ewe and should just go ahead and slaughter her. Has anyone had experience with this and have you known a ewe to have successful pregnancy even with having this transient condition?

 

[BrownSheep]

I'ld say bye bye. Prolapsed rectum are not a good thing especially if you plan on breeding for market lambs. Is her tail really short? That could be one of the reasons she is prolapsing. It certainly wouldn't help.

 

[SheepGirl]

I have seen it twice on one of the young ewes we bought several weeks ago. Both times I saw it were on the same day and it went back in quickly. We aren't out with the sheep all the time, so I'm not sure if this has been occurring before now or not. We had the vet out the day I noticed it and asked her about it though she didn't see it (she was out casting the broken leg of one of our bucklings). She said that if we continue to notice it, we shouldn't breed that ewe and should just go ahead and slaughter her. Has anyone had experience with this and have you known a ewe to have successful pregnancy even with having this transient condition?

I've never had an experience with a rectal prolapse. The only prolapse we've ever had was on one ewe and it was a vaginal prolapse and she later died on her own. Anyway, the reason why you DON'T want to breed them is because prolapses have a genetic link (in addition to environmental factors, ie. feed and docking policy).

I would be scared to breed a ewe with a history of a prolapse. Just read 20kidsonahill's journal about her goats.

 

[PotterWatch]

Thanks everyone. I think this ewe will be headed for slaughter, but the vet advised us to watch her for a couple weeks to see if maybe she just had a case of diarrhea and pushed a little too hard causing the prolapse and that it may completely resolve to never appear again. If we continue to notice it though, she will be off to the butcher. A shame since we went to so much effort to get her.

She does have a docked tail but it isn't super short.

 

[Cornish Heritage]

Anyway, the reason why you DON'T want to breed them is because prolapses have a genetic link

Sheep girl is correct in saying that Prolapses are genetic. Anytime we see it here with any animal, which is rare but does happen, they are automatically culled.

Liz

 

[PotterWatch]

Well I was hoping it was just a transient thing but it has gotten worse. The butcher will be here tomorrow. I'm disappointed since this was supposed to be a breeding ewe for us but I am also looking forward to a leg of lamb dinner!

 

[Cornish Heritage]

Sorry it has gotten worse BUT so glad she will not be totally wasted.

Enjoy your lamb meat

Liz