Preparing for Lambing: Why You Need a Prolapse Harness NOW

Lambing season is generally not too far away, which is the time when the first of many commercial sheep flocks will begin to lamb. While larger operations may start earlier in the winter, smaller operations typically begin lambing in the spring and finish by the end of May. If you are a new shepherd, now is the time to gather your lambing kit and start preparing. There are many excellent articles and videos online discussing what a good lambing kit should contain, and while I have consulted those myself, I'm going to talk specifically about one item you absolutely need to buy right now: the prolapse harness. I can guarantee you that if you wait until you need it, stores will likely be out of stock.

What is a Prolapse Harness?

A prolapse harness is a critical device used when a ewe (a female sheep) experiences a vaginal prolapse before lambing. The harness's purpose is to keep the exposed tissue clean, safe, and held securely in place prior to the actual birth.

My Experience (Quick Story)

I can speak from experience: when you go to buy one after a prolapse occurs, they are generally not available. This happened to me. I had what I considered an extremely good flock of ewes and had never experienced a case of prolapse. As my flock started to get older—around year seven, which is often considered an older ewe in most commercial flocks that would have already been culled (removed from the flock)—my ewes were still doing well, producing good lambs and being excellent mothers. However, in our seventh year of lambing, I had my first ewe with a prolapse.

This was an extremely difficult problem for me. I contacted Premier One, and as expected for the end of March, they were sold out. I then looked around at other sheep supplier companies, and they, too, were out of stock. My fallback was to make my own harness based on one of my sheep-raising books. This worked okay for the first day, but it eventually began to fall apart and was not effectively holding the organ in place. With the help of my wife, Beth, we were able to gently tuck the vagina back in as best we could. Eventually, after the ewe had successfully lambed, we kept her in a jug (a small pen) for an extended period, continuing to assist in tucking the vagina back in until she was fine. I would add that after she had weaned the lamb, I culled her. While some farmers may consider it a one-off situation, I chose not to risk future occurrences.

The following year, in my eighth year of lambing, I had another prolapse. This time, I was prepared; I had my prolapse harness from Premier 1. It worked very well, as the webbing is strong and holds securely to the body.

Understanding Prolapse

Let's define a prolapse and provide a little background. There are a couple of different types of prolapses, including an anal prolapse, but we are specifically talking about a vaginal prolapse that occurs pre-lambing.

A vaginal prolapse happens when a ewe's vagina partially or fully slips out due to the increased internal pressure from the growing lamb(s) inside. You will typically see a smooth, pinkish-red mass bulging from the vulva when she lays down. It may partially retract when she stands.

Why Does This Happen?

A number of factors can contribute to a prolapse:

• Late Pregnancy Pressure: This occurs as the lamb grows. A full rumen (stomach) at the same time, combined with the lamb, increases abdominal pressure on the vaginal wall.
• Body Condition: Ewes that are over-conditioned (too fat) are at risk. This often happens on farms where corn or other high-energy feeds are given to ewes and the Body Condition Score is not well monitored by the shepherd.
• Multiples: Ewes carrying twins or triplets are at higher risk due to the increased internal pressure.
• Genetics: If a ewe has a history of prolapse, it is likely that her female lamb (a ewe lamb) is also genetically predisposed to it. This is why I culled the ewe that had the prolapse after we finished weaning.

Signs to Look For

The primary signs you should look for include:

• A bulge from the vulva, especially when the ewe is lying down.
• The ewe is straining.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Restlessness.
• In some severe cases, the exposed tissue will turn dark or dry out.

How is a Prolapse Treated?

The first steps for treatment are:

1. Isolation and Control: Move the ewe into your barn and into a clean jug (a small pen) where you can control her and keep her clean, rather than leaving her outside.
2. Cleaning the Tissue: Clean the exposed tissue by flushing it with warm water and a mild disinfectant. (I have personally used non-chlorinated water, as we are not on city water.)
3. Attempting Replacement: Attempt to replace the prolapse. Purchase KY jelly or a similar veterinary lubricant. With gloves on, lubricate the exposed flesh and steadily apply pressure to seat it back into the vagina.
4. Application of the Harness: This is where your pre-purchased prolapse harness comes in! Apply the harness to the ewe. Once the harness is secure, insert the prolapse retainer gently into her vagina. This retainer will tie to the harness, holding the organ in place. It is important to note that you must pay close attention, as the harness and retainer must be removed once she starts to lamb.
5. Dietary and Environmental Changes: Reduce the ewe's grain intake and remove her from pasture, as lush grass can put pressure on the rumen. Also, remove her from any steep terrain. The best thing is to keep her removed from the flock and in a clean jug in the barn.
   
   
   
   

During and After Lambing

A ewe with a prolapse can often lamb normally. However, she needs constant watch during the process to ensure that once the lambs are born, the prolapse is quickly replaced. In some cases, a ewe may require veterinary assistance to stitch the exposed organ inside the vagina. I have never witnessed or been a part of this procedure, but it is something you should discuss with your veterinarian prior to your lambing season.

After she lambs, and she is back on her feet with the prolapse passed, it is highly recommended that you cull her and her lambs, as you are at a higher risk for prolapse in the future.

Final Advice

I strongly recommend that you have an established veterinarian who has already inspected your flock. If you don't, get one now. Consult with this person about different problems and give them advance notice of your lambing window so they know you may be calling. I am not an expert in this area—it has only happened to me twice in my shepherding career—which is why I highly recommend talking to your vet, as they will give you the best information possible. I hope this is beneficial for you!