A uterine prolapse occurs when the cow or ewe continues to push after calving or lambing.

In the case of a cow, it is a true clinical emergency, as the cow can quickly go into shock or die due to blood loss from rupturing a major artery.

A prolapse starts off initially as an infolding or inversion of the uterus. Directly after calving, a cow’s cervix is still open and the uterus is lacking any true tone. This floppy consistency means it is easily inverted if the cow continues to push after giving birth.

The sooner action is taken the better, as the cow’s clinical state can quickly deteriorate.

Ensure the cow is kept as quiet and calm as possible while waiting for the vet’s arrival.

If outdoors, keep her there. The walk indoors will put more pressure on the prolapsed organ, leading to increased risk of an internal bleed.

The cow is firstly administered an epidural to stop her from pushing.

This allows the vet to gradually push the organ back in while ensuring that no damage is caused to the uterine surface.

When the uterus has been replaced, a suture is placed in the vulva to prevent reoccurrence.

The suture should stay in place for at least one week and can easily be removed by the herd owner.

A cow is at increased risk of a prolapse if she has had a difficult calving that can injure or irritate the birth canal, if she has been straining severely during labour or if excessive pressure has been applied while pulling the calf.

Non-calving factors can also lead to increased risk, such as nutritional state, with low calcium, magnesium and protein levels playing a role.

Ideal body condition score of 3 to 3.5 (BCS) is also crucial at calving, as both overly-thin and overweight animals are susceptible.

Dolores Cassells works at Donal Lynch Veterinary, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Donal Lynch Veterinary is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. Visit www.xlvets.ie.