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Reproductive Tract Prolapse (view source)
Revision as of 16:40, 30 August 2011
, 16:40, 30 August 2011no edit summary
==Uterine Prolapse==
==Uterine Prolapse==
This condition occurs '''after parturition''' and occurs sporadically in '''ewes, cattle, mares and sows'''.
This condition occurs '''after parturition''' and occurs sporadically in '''ewes, cattle, mares and sows'''.
Its occurrence is extremely rare in small animals.
The condition may be complicated by '''prolapse of the bladder, uterine rupture or [[Hernia|intestinal herniation]]'''. One major concern is to prevent rupture of the '''large uterine vessels''' which will lead to rapid exsanguination.
The condition may be complicated by '''prolapse of the bladder, uterine rupture or [[Hernia|intestinal herniation]]'''. One major concern is to prevent rupture of the '''large uterine vessels''' which will lead to rapid exsanguination.
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
The uterus protrudes out through the cervix, vagina and the lips of the vulva. The visible surface is the inside of the uterus and it may appear swollen, reddened and dry. There might also be tearing and bleeding and the placenta may still be partly attached to the uterine lining.
The uterus protrudes out through the cervix, vagina and the lips of the vulva. The visible surface is the inside of the uterus and it may appear swollen, reddened and dry. There might also be tearing and bleeding and the placenta may still be partly attached to the uterine lining.
In small animals, one or both horns may be visible, and there may be tissue and oedema and trauma to the uterus.
===Treatment===
===Treatment===
<u>Large animals</u>
'''[[:Category:Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]]''' may be indicated if the animal is showing signs of shock and '''[[calcium]]''' might need to be administered.
'''[[:Category:Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]]''' may be indicated if the animal is showing signs of shock and '''[[calcium]]''' might need to be administered.
A simple prolapse with retained placenta has a '''good prognosis'''. '''Subsequent breeding is not contraindicated''' and a prolapse is no more likely to occur again. The condition is not a reason to discontinue breeding the animal unless the uterus was damaged.
A simple prolapse with retained placenta has a '''good prognosis'''. '''Subsequent breeding is not contraindicated''' and a prolapse is no more likely to occur again. The condition is not a reason to discontinue breeding the animal unless the uterus was damaged.
<u>Small Animals</u>
Immediate medical support should be put in place, with the provision of '''fluids and pain relief'''.
The animal should be anaesthetised and attempts should be made to '''replace the uterus''', using lubrication and great care.
If damage to the uterus is extensive, or the animal is not to be used for further breeding, '''ovariohysterectomy''' is the treatment of choice.
'''Broad spectrum antibiotic''' therapy should be instituted immediately.
Serious '''complications''' may occur such as rupture of the ovarian or uterine arteries leading to major bleeding and haemorrhagic shock.
{{Learning
{{Learning
[[Cattle Medicine Q&A 03]]
[[Cattle Medicine Q&A 03]]
[[Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Q&A 11]]
}}
}}
Noakes, D. (2001) '''Arthur's veterinary reproduction and obstetrics''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
Noakes, D. (2001) '''Arthur's veterinary reproduction and obstetrics''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''