Vaginal Prolapse Before Calving in Cows & Buffaloes

Vaginal prolapse before calving — also called ante-partum cervico-vaginal prolapse — is when part of the vaginal wall is pushed out through the vulva in the last weeks of pregnancy. It appears as a pink-to-red, soft mass at the rear of the animal, usually when she lies down. It is an emergency: the tissue must be cleaned, replaced and held in place quickly by a veterinarian to prevent infection, continued straining and the loss of the dam or calf. Buffaloes and heavily pregnant, well-conditioned cows are the most commonly affected.

What vaginal prolapse before calving looks like

In the final three to four weeks of gestation, rising oestrogen levels relax the pelvic ligaments and soft tissues to prepare for birth. In some animals this relaxation, combined with the pressure of a large calf, allows the floor of the vagina to bulge out through the vulva. Early (Grade 1) cases show a mass only when the animal is lying down, which disappears when she stands. In advanced cases (Grade 2 to 3) the mass stays out permanently, dries, cracks, becomes dirty, and may involve the cervix or bladder.

Why it happens: causes and risk factors

• Late-pregnancy hormones: high oestrogen relaxes pelvic tissues.
• Increased abdominal pressure: a large single calf, twins, or excess abdominal fat.
• Standing downhill: housing or tethering that slopes toward the rear increases pressure on the pelvis.
• Over-conditioning: fat animals and those on bulky, low-energy roughage are more prone.
• Mineral and calcium imbalance: poor muscle tone linked to low calcium and mineral status.
• Lack of exercise and prolonged lying.
• Breed and history: buffaloes are especially susceptible, and animals that have prolapsed once often do so again.

Warning signs to watch for

Watch late-pregnant cows and buffaloes for a pink or red swelling at the vulva (especially when lying), repeated straining, restlessness, tail-raising, reduced appetite, and difficulty passing urine or dung. Any mass that does not go back in when the animal stands needs veterinary attention the same day.

First aid: what to do and what not to do

Vaginal prolapse is best handled by a veterinarian, but good first aid before they arrive protects the tissue:

• Move the animal to a clean, slightly uphill standing position so the hindquarters are higher than the front.
• Keep the exposed tissue clean and moist: cover it with a clean, damp cloth and gently rinse off dung or bedding with clean lukewarm water.
• Stop her from lying in dirty bedding and from continued straining.
• Do not try to force a dry, swollen or damaged mass back in yourself, and do not apply irritant substances. Rough handling tears the tissue and causes bleeding.
• Call your veterinarian immediately.

Veterinary treatment

The veterinarian will usually give an epidural to stop straining, clean the tissue with a mild antiseptic, reduce swelling, and gently replace the prolapse. A retention suture (such as a Buhner suture) or a prolapse retainer is then placed to hold it in until calving, and must be removed or opened at the first sign of labour. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and calcium or mineral support may be given depending on the case. With prompt care, most animals calve normally.

Preventing recurrence and supporting recovery

Because the risk returns with the next pregnancy, prevention matters:

• Avoid over-fat body condition in late pregnancy and feed a balanced, not excessively bulky, ration.
• House and tether animals on level or slightly front-sloping ground, and give daily exercise.
• Correct mineral and calcium status: a balanced chelated mineral mixture such as Cattle Remedies Verymin and calcium support like Cattle Remedies Calcicril help maintain muscle tone around calving.
• After calving, support uterine cleansing and involution so the reproductive tract recovers fully. Many farmers use Cattle Remedies Uterotone 3-in-1 for post-calving uterine support; for a full comparison of options see our guide to the best cattle uterine tonic in India.
• Flag any animal with a prolapse history and watch her closely in the next pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions

Can a cow with vaginal prolapse still calve normally?

Yes. If the prolapse is replaced and retained in good time and the retention suture is opened at the onset of labour, most cows and buffaloes calve normally. Problems arise mainly when the condition is neglected and the tissue becomes damaged or infected.

Is vaginal prolapse the same as uterine prolapse?

No. Vaginal prolapse happens before calving and involves the vaginal wall. Uterine prolapse happens after calving, when the whole uterus turns inside out. Both are emergencies but are managed differently; see our guide on uterine prolapse in cows and buffaloes.

Will it happen again next pregnancy?

It can. Animals that prolapse once are more likely to do so again, so manage body condition, housing slope, exercise and mineral balance carefully, and consider culling repeat offenders from the breeding herd.

References

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Research, management of cervico-vaginal prolapse in buffaloes (epubs.icar.org.in); Merck Veterinary Manual, "Vaginal and Cervical Prolapse in Large Animals" (merckvetmanual.com).

This article is for general guidance only. Vaginal prolapse is an emergency: always consult a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your animal.