Bovine vaginal prolapse
A reproductive prolapse in cattle near calving.
Bovine vaginal prolapse is a medical condition in cattle, characterized by an abnormally positioned (prolapsed) vagina. It typically occurs near the time of calving, though it can also appear in younger and non-pregnant animals. The condition is less severe than bovine uterine prolapse but requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- affected_species
- Cattle (also ewes, sows, bitches)
- common_timing
- Near calving, usually last trimester
- risk_factors
- Grazing clover pastures, overweight cows, twins, older cows, zebu (Bos indicus), stabled cows, trauma, coughing
- cause
- Increased abdominal pressure, high estrogen and relaxin levels
- treatment
- Restraint, epidural anesthetic, cleaning, lubrication, repositioning, stitching vulva
- prognosis
- Favorable with proper treatment; recurrent nature common
Lore & Background
Bovine vaginal prolapse occurs when the vagina protrudes outside the cow's body, often appearing as a pink mass that can range from the size of a large citrus fruit to a soccer ball. The condition is caused by increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, along with elevated estrogen and relaxin levels that loosen pelvic tissues. Factors such as grazing on clover pastures (due to phytoestrogens), being overweight in late pregnancy, carrying twins, being older, being a zebu breed, or being stabled increase the risk.
Reader's Guide
Bovine vaginal prolapse is a significant condition in cattle management because of its recurrent nature and potential for complications if untreated. The exposed vaginal tissue can become infected, swell due to limited blood supply, press on the urinary passage, and dry out or be damaged by environmental factors. Treatment involves restraining the cow, applying epidural anesthetic, cleaning and lubricating the tissue, repositioning the vagina, and stitching the vulva to prevent recurrence. Stitches must be removed before the next calving. Prognosis is normally favorable with proper treatment, but cows that have had the condition are at high risk of recurrence in subsequent calvings. Genetic factors are thought to play a role, as offspring of affected cows—both females and males—may inherit the trait, leading to the common practice of culling such offspring from breeding. The condition is less dangerous than bovine uterine prolapse, which can be life-threatening.
Did You Know?
- The prolapsed vagina can sometimes contain the cow's urinary bladder.
- The prolapsed mass may shrink when the cow stands up due to reduced pressure.
- Cows grazing clover pastures have higher risk due to phytoestrogens.
- Bulls from mothers with recurrent vaginal prolapse can pass the inherited trait to their offspring.
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