Post-parturient uterine prolapse in a Yankassa ewe presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Uterine prolapse in a Yankassa ewe

Abstract

Abstract

A two (2) years old Yankassa ewe, weighing 25 kg, was presented with a history of having a protruding tissue from the vulva after lambing of less than 12 hours duration to the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ibadan. On close examination, the uterus was seen protruding from the vulva with no placenta and no laceration. Uterine prolapse was diagnosed following the observation of exposed caruncles. Management of the uterine prolapse was by size reduction and replacement. Size reduction of the prolapsed uterus was achieved using sugar solution and a cold pack after the organ had been properly rinsed with clean water containing the antiseptic – Dettol®. On achieving size reduction, the organ was replaced back to its normal anatomical position in the pelvic cavity, beginning from the portion closest to the vulva lips. Epidural anaesthetic was not given because there were no visible signs of straining prior to and during uterine replacement. Colostrum was expressed from the dam and was fed to the lamb. Antibiotic therapy was instituted by giving Amoxicillin 15mg/kg intramuscularly stat, and orally for 5 days consecutively and Oxytocin 10 IU intramuscularly to aid uterine involution. The dam recovered successfully. This shows that timely presentation and effective management of uterine prolapse cases could lead to a good prognosis. We therefore advocate that livestock owners should always present reproductive problems early for proper intervention by Theriogenologists.