Ask the Vet

By Dr. Ken McMillan, Contributing Columnist

READER QUESTION:

How can I tell the difference between a vaginal prolapse and a uterine prolapse in cows?

DR. KEN MCMILLAN'S ANSWER:

A uterine prolapse only occurs after a cow has calved, and it's almost always after a difficult birth. Simply put, the entire uterus is turned "wrong side out." You will see cotyledons or large, round, red, raised areas on the uterus. It can hang down to the cow's hocks.

A uterine prolapse is an emergency, and it needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Gentle handling is essential to avoid rupturing the middle uterine artery, the main artery feeding blood to the fetus. If this artery ruptures, the cow will quickly bleed out internally and die. You will see little or no blood in this case.

If a uterine prolapse is quickly and properly replaced (i.e., corrected), the infection controlled and the cow breeds back, she is no more likely to re-prolapse in the future when calving than other cows.

A vaginal prolapse, by comparison, can occur at any time but is most likely right before or after calving. It can also happen when a cow comes into heat. Typically, you see a smooth red "tube" hanging out of the vulva. It can go in and out or stay out.

Sometimes, especially in Brahman-influenced cows, it can be over a foot long. It may look like a ball in some cases, especially if it's a cervical prolapse, and the bladder is involved. This ball-like appearance is most common with a cervical prolapse or a complete vaginal prolapse where the cervix is exposed at the tip.

A vaginal prolapse is not an emergency but needs to be corrected as soon as possible. It has a fairly high genetic component and will almost always recur. A cow with vaginal prolapse needs to be on the cull list.

If she has not calved yet, consult your veterinarian to decide how best to manage her condition. If she is not close to calving or has already calved, the prolapse can be replaced. A suture or sutures can be placed to avoid recurrence, and then she can be sold for slaughter.

If she is close to calving, there are no great options. She will have to be monitored extremely closely. When a cow is close to calving, I correct the prolapse and often place a suture that will hopefully prevent re-prolapsing but will tear out if the cow goes into labor. Some of these cows may be induced into labor to reduce the time they must be watched. Calving issues are increased no matter how you choose to handle her. She may need assistance and, in some cases, a C-section to safely deliver the calf.

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Editor's Note: Please contact your veterinarian with questions pertaining to the health of your herd or other animals. Every operation is unique, and the information in this column does not pertain to all situations. This is not intended as medical advice but is purely for informational purposes.

Write Dr. Ken McMillan at Ask the Vet, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email vet@progressivefarmer.com.

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