A Questionnaire Survey of the Correction Methods for Vaginal Prolapse in Ewes

Abstract

A questionnaire on methods of replacement and retention of pre-parturient vaginal prolapse, performed by the shepherd or veterinary surgeon, was completed by 108 veterinary undergraduate students after their farm experience as lambing assistants. The retention methods routinely employed included various suture patterns (72 replies; 66.7%), a plastic intravaginal retaining device (17.6%) and a truss (15.7%). In the sutured group, Buhner perivulval sutures, purse string perivulval sutures and horizontal mattress sutures had been used in 13 per cent, 46.4 per cent and 40.6 per cent of replies respectively. While 5mm nylon tape had been used for 52 of 72 (72.2%) procedures, autoclaved suture material had been used in only 29.6 per cent of replies. No analgesia was employed prior to placing the sutures in 40 (55.6%) replies. Frequent or pronounced abdominal straining by the ewe during replacement of the vaginal prolapse was observed by 69 of 108 respondents (63.9%). On a subjective basis 20 students (18.5%) considered that the welfare consequences of the procedure were a matter of concern and a further 40 students (37.0%) judged that the welfare consequences of the procedure were poor.