A prolapse can be basically defined as an abnormal repositioning of a body part from its normal anatomical position. Two distinct types of prolapses occur in the reproductive tract of cattle: vaginal or uterine. While both types require medical attention and correction, the severity and time of occurrence differ.
1. Vaginal Prolapses
A vaginal prolapse occurs before calving due to the increased pressure in the abdominal cavity during the latter stages of pregnancy. This type of prolapse is more common than the uterine prolapse, and it typically looks like a pink mass of tissue about the size of a large grapefruit or volleyball. Once this tissue becomes prolapsed, it is exposed to environmental elements (wind, dust, sun, injury) and to potential infectious organisms.
2. Uterine Prolapses
A uterine prolapse is typically seen immediately following or within a few hours of calving. Compared to the vaginal prolapse, the uterine prolapse is larger, longer (usually
hanging down to the hocks when standing), more deep red in color and covered with the “buttons” where the placenta was attached.
A uterine prolapse is considered a medical emergency; therefore, this condition is life threatening. If the affected cow is not treated quickly, she could go into shock or die from blood loss. Contact your veterinarian for assistance with this procedure. If the uterus is pushed back improperly, it could result in internal bleeding and death of the cow.
With uterine prolapses, if a good, clean job is done replacing the uterus, it may not be necessary to cull the cow from the herd. These cows have the potential to return to the herd and maintain a normal reproductive existence. However, if an infection occurred when the uterus was replaced, the cow may be slow to rebreed or may not breed back at all.