Bovine vaginal prolapse

Severity of this condition varies a lot between individual cows, hence in some exposed vagina reaches the size of a large citrus fruit, while in others it can be as big as a soccer ball.

It has been shown that cows, grazing clover pastures, have higher probability of experiencing vaginal prolapse when near the time of calving.

[10] Prolapsed vagina needs to be treated as fast as possible, as the exposed mass of vaginal tissue can get infected and overexposure to environmental factors (such as dirt, dust particles, sun, heat, cold or manure) can influence cow's body conditions.

Another problem is the limited blood supply to the prolapsed mass of tissue, which causes vagina to swell and successful treatment is more demanding.

Big prolapsed vagina presses on the urinary passage and it is harder (or impossible) for cows to urinate.

[2] The prolapsed mass of tissue should then be cleaned with warm water, lubricated and some mild disinfectant should be applied, as these cows are often in the risk of getting an infection.

This guideline is practised for both sexes, as the bulls of mothers with recurrent vaginal prolapse can pass the inherited trait to their offspring.

[1][3] The condition requires immediate treatment,[4] which is either reducing the prolapse either amputating the exposed uterus and in severe cases euthanizing the animal,[5] as an untreated cow can die from shock (intensive bleeding) or becomes infertile.