Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

Clinical Signs

SYMPTOMS

• Prolapse of the vagina usually involves a prolapse of the floor, the lateral walls and a portion of the roof of the vagina through the vulva with the cervix and the uterus moving caudal, not infrequently the entire vagina and cervix are prolapsed through the vulva.
• The symptoms of vagino-cervical prolapse are obvious and the condition is often spoken of by the farmer as “Casting of the withers”.

The symptoms may vary from

• The condition is most commonly encountered during 7 to 8 months of pregnancy when relaxation of the vulva and perivaginal structures has begun. The degree of protrusion varies from a mild protrusion of the vaginal mucosa through the vulva when the animal lies down, to a severe necrotic vagino-cervical prolapse containing a greatly distended bladder. complicated by a prolapse of the rectum due to constant tenesmus.
• Edema of the prolapsed vagina and cervix occurs because of the irritation and trauma to the exposed mucous membrane, and because this portion drops over the ischial arch thereby causing a passive venous congestion
• Straining may be absent, intermittent, mild, severe, or nearly constant depending on the degree of prolapse, and the severity of the inflammation and irritation involving the genital canal.
• The cervical seal usually remains intact; although if the cervix is prolapsed and inflamed, the external portion of the seal may be absent.
• Occasionally the cervix relaxes, the seal is lost and abortion or premature parturition occurs within 24-72 h.
• In neglected, severe cases the exposed mucous mebrane may be necrotic resulting in a toxemia and septicemia. Necrosis and gangrene may even involve the cervix and the caudal portion of the uterus secondary to severe vascular insult and thrombosis.
• Usually the size of the prolapsed vagino-cervical mass varies from approximately 10 cms to over 30 cms in diameter.