Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

UTERINE TORSION IN SHEEP AND GOATS 

• Is the revolution or twisting of the uterus on its long axis.
• This is frequently observed in cattle, it is occasionally observed as a cause of dystocia in sheep, mares, dogs and cats and rarely in sows.

Uterine torsion in small ruminants (Sheep and goat)

• The frequency of uterine torsion in the ewe and doe goat is very low.
• The cause of low incidence of uterine torsion in sheep and goats may be associated with sub-lumbar attachment of mesometrium rather than sub-ilial as in cow.
• Torsion occurs in does carrying a single fetus.The condition closely resembles bovine torsion in its clinical signs. But because of the smaller size of sheep and goats it is much more difficult to insert a hand into the constricted vagina.
• Presenting signs in does with uterine torsion may mimic cervical dilation failure.
• Diagnosis is complicated by the inability to perform rectal palpation.
• Vaginal examination may reveal the typical folds in the vaginal wall or may reveal a cervix that is only partially dilated.
• Ewe or doe should be given caudal epidural anesthesia, and with the hindlimbs held so that the animal is almost vertical, a relatively modest rotating force on a fetal appendage or a rotatory movement of the dam’s body is usually sufficient to correct the torsion.
• Rolling the goat, as in cows, may correct the torsion (Modified Schaffer’s method), but then time must be allowed for the cervix to dilate to achieve a vaginal delivery.
• A plank of wider surface area can be used for the better fixation of uterus and application of uniform pressure throughout the flank.
• If the above said treatment fails, then the cesarean operation must be performed.