Rectal Prolapse in Sheep: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Background

The rectum (colon) is the final segment of the large intestine, beginning at the pelvic opening and ending at the anus. Rectal prolapse is a condition where one or more layers of the rectum protrude from the anus due to constant straining.

There are two types of “prolapse”: internal (hidden) and external (visible). In visible prolapse, the “inverted” large intestine protrudes outward through the anus. In hidden prolapse, the “folding” process stops at the level of the internal sphincters of the anus and is not visible or felt.

The group of lambs and ewe lambs has the highest number of rectal prolapses.

Recognition

Early Stage

Early detection can be made during straining or coughing by the presence of bright red, shiny tissue protruding from the anus.

Progressive Stages

Stage 2:

• If there was no early diagnosis and therefore no appropriate treatment, the entire rectum segment exits during straining
• Returns to place occasionally
• Further deterioration: a rectum segment that has prolapsed and remains protruding permanently
• The segment length can reach up to 5 cm
• The segment may bleed, dry out, become infected, and even lead to tissue necrosis

Symptoms

• The lamb appears unwell
• Stops eating
• Visible tissue protruding from anus
• Straining behavior
• Depression

Causes of the Condition

Primary Cause: Coughing

Coughing is a primary factor leading to rectal prolapse.

First Cause of Coughing - Epithelial Damage:

• Particularly affects lambs and ewe lambs growing in poor conditions
• Overcrowding and lack of ventilation
• These conditions cause ammonia accumulation
• Ammonia damages the ciliated epithelium lining the trachea
• Function of ciliated epithelium is to prevent contaminating particles from entering the respiratory system
• When the epithelium is damaged, contaminating particles can enter
• Results in acute and chronic coughing
• Leads to rectal prolapse

Second Cause of Coughing - Dry Lime or Quicklime:

• Scattered on the barn floor
• Dust irritates respiratory system

Third Cause - Pneumonia:

• Typical for lambs aged 2-6 months
• Respiratory disease leads to coughing

As a result of all these factors, rectal prolapse may occur due to coughing. It is essential to treat this cause immediately upon appearance to prevent worsening of the condition.

Tail Docking

Tail docking is a technique common in Israel where the lamb’s tail is cut off. If the docking was done too high and close to the body, it increases the lamb’s risk of rectal prolapse. Combining this factor with additional factors will increase the probability of rectal prolapse in lambs.

Feed-Related Causes

Feed also has significant weight in the probability of rectal prolapse:

• Lambs fed on free-choice concentrate are at high risk for the condition
• Sheep fed rations containing legumes, including pea hay and alfalfa, may suffer more from the condition
• These plants contain phytoestrogens that mimic natural estrogen
• May cause relaxation of the sphincter muscle
• Results in rectum protrusion

Diarrhea

Diarrhea actually irritates the intestinal wall and causes the animal to strain, thereby making it at greater risk for rectal prolapse.

Other Risk Factors

Sex and Body Condition:

• Fat ewe lambs are more sensitive than male lambs
• Fat accumulates in the pelvis
• Together with a factor like diarrhea, pressure on the rectum increases
• Can cause prolapse

Age:

• Weaned lambs are much more sensitive than suckling lambs or adult sheep

Pregnancy:

• In the final stages of pregnancy, the uterus and its contents cause increased pressure in the abdominal and pelvic cavity
• Can increase rectal prolapse

Treatment

1. Consult with a veterinarian - Identify the stage at which prolapse was detected and treat according to the stage

2. Initial Prolapse Stage:

   • Thoroughly wash the protruding tissue from the anus
   • First with warm water and soap or povidone-iodine
   • Then with antiseptic solution

3. Return the Tissue:

   • Return the tissue to its place using proper technique (by veterinarian)

4. Suturing:

   • If necessary, the rectum can be sutured so the phenomenon doesn’t recur

5. Treat Underlying Causes:

   • Address factors causing the disease to reduce continued straining of the animal

Prevention

• Prevent Coughing:

  • Especially chronic coughing through barn ventilation
  • Reduce animal density
  • Choose appropriate bedding

• Tail Docking Care:

  • Dock tails very carefully
  • Leave a remnant that will cover the vulva
  • This prevents rectal prolapse

• Treat and Prevent Diarrhea:

  • Especially diarrhea caused by coccidia

• Pregnancy Management:

  • Maintain pregnant animals properly
  • Proper preparation for lambing can reduce cases

• Manage Legume Percentage:

  • Proper management of legume hay percentages in the feed ration

Key Risk Groups

• Weaned lambs (2-6 months old)
• Fat ewe lambs
• Pregnant ewes (late pregnancy)
• Lambs in overcrowded, poorly ventilated conditions
• Lambs with improperly docked tails
• Animals with chronic coughing

Prognosis

With early detection and proper treatment, the prognosis is generally good. However, if left untreated:

• Tissue damage and necrosis can occur
• Secondary infections are common
• Animal welfare is severely compromised
• Recovery becomes more difficult

When to Call the Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:

• Red tissue protruding from the anus
• Repeated straining behavior
• Multiple animals affected
• Chronic coughing in the flock
• Any signs of distress related to defecation

Early intervention is key to successful treatment and prevention of recurrence.