Bovine vaginal prolapse is a medical condition in cattle, characterised by an abnormally positioned (prolapsed) vagina. In most cases the bovine vaginal prolapse occurs near the time of calving, [1] yet there are some examples of the vaginal prolapse in younger and non-pregnant animals. [2] Another, but less common [1] and more severe [3] reproductive prolapse in cattle is so-called bovine uterine prolapse, where a uterus is the one being abnormally positioned. [4]
Bovine prolapsed vagina can occur when the cow is near calving, in the late phases of cow's pregnancy (usually last trimester). [1] Sometimes cow's cervix prolapses along its vagina, [5] and such condition is known as the bovinecervico-vaginal prolapse. [3] [6] It can happen that cow's urinary bladder gets contained within the prolapsed vagina. [7]
Prolapsed vagina is seen as a pink mass of tissue that protrudes outside of the cow's body. 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. Sometimes prolapsed vagina shrinks when a cow stands up, as a pressure on its body is reduced. [1]
Prolapse of the vagina happens as a consequence of increased pressure in the abdominal cavity of cows. [1] Increased production of estrogen and high relaxin levels also play a role, as both hormones result in ligamentous laxity and laxity of soft tissue of the pelvic canal and perineum. [8]
There are several factors that can influence the occurrence of the vaginal prolapse in cattle. It has been shown that cows, grazing clover pastures, have higher probability of experiencing vaginal prolapse when near the time of calving. This is a consequence of phytoestrogens, which are made when cows forage on such kind of pastures. Another way of reducing the risk is regulating cow's body weight, as overweight cows in the last trimester of their pregnancy are often subdued to reproductive prolapses. [1] This is a consequence of intra-abdominal fat. [2]
Cows pregnant with twins, older pregnant cows, [1] [9] zebu ( Bos indicus ) [1] and stabled cows [8] are also more prone to experiencing the vaginal prolapse. Among other risk factors are trauma and coughing. [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. Vaginal tissue exposed for too long can dry out or get damaged. [1]
The vaginal prolapse in cattle is usually not as dangerous as some cases of bovine uterine prolapse, and majority of cows with prolapsed vagina are not in the risk of losing their life. When treating cow with a prolapsed vagina one needs to restrain the cow and limit its movement, [1] as well as apply an epidural anesthetic. [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. [1] [2] In some cases it is useful to empty the cow's bladder right before the procedure. [2] The next step is repositioning the exposed vagina and stitching the tissue around cow's vulva, as the vagina can prolapse again shortly after the incorrect procedure. [1] The stitches must be removed before the next calving. [3]
The cow's prognosis after being properly treated for vaginal prolapse is normally favourable. [1] When treated incorrectly, animals often get peritonitis and vaginal wall ruptures. [2] The biggest problem represents the recurrent nature of vaginal prolapses, as the cow that already had prolapsed vagina has relatively high probability of experiencing the condition again in the following calving. [1]
It is thought that genetic factors play a role in bovine vaginal prolapse, as cow's offspring exhibit high levels of vaginal prolapse if their mother has also experienced this condition. In practise, it is common to cull the offspring of cows that had their vaginas prolapsed and not use them for breeding. 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]
The vaginal prolapse often happens in cows, as well as ewes and sometimes sows. [2] [10] Similar condition is a characteristic of bitches. [2]
Similar condition that is also connected with a prolapse of cow's reproductive organs, is so-called bovine uterine prolapse, when a uterus gets prolapsed. [4] This usually occurs some hours after calving. [11] The latter condition is much less common in cattle and can be life-threatening in extreme cases. [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. [4]
The cervix or cervix uteri is the lower part of the uterus (womb) in the human female reproductive system. The cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm long and roughly cylindrical in shape, which changes during pregnancy. The narrow, central cervical canal runs along its entire length, connecting the uterine cavity and the lumen of the vagina. The opening into the uterus is called the internal os, and the opening into the vagina is called the external os. The lower part of the cervix, known as the vaginal portion of the cervix, bulges into the top of the vagina. The cervix has been documented anatomically since at least the time of Hippocrates, over 2,000 years ago.
The uterus or womb is the main hormone-responsive, secondary sex organ of the female reproductive system in humans, and most other mammals. Events occurring within the uterus are described with the term in utero. In the human, the lower end of the uterus, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the upper end, the fundus, is connected to the fallopian tubes. It is within the uterus that the embryo and later fetus develops during gestation. In the human embryo, the uterus develops from the paramesonephric ducts which fuse into the single organ known as a simplex uterus. The uterus has different forms in many other animals and in some it exists as two separate uteri known as a duplex uterus.
In medicine, prolapse is a condition in which organs fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina, rectum, or for the misalignment of the valves of the heart. A spinal disc herniation is also sometimes called "disc prolapse". Prolapse means "to fall out of place", from the Latin prolabi meaning "to fall out".
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It may also involve removal of the cervix, ovaries (oophorectomy), Fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), and other surrounding structures.
A pessary is a prosthetic device inserted into the vagina for structural and pharmaceutical purposes. It is most commonly used to treat stress urinary incontinence to stop urinary leakage and to treat pelvic organ prolapse to maintain the location of organs in the pelvic region. It can also be used to administer medications locally in the vagina or as a method of contraception.
The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs that function in reproduction of new offspring. In humans, the female reproductive system is immature at birth and develops to maturity at puberty to be able to produce gametes, and to carry a foetus to full term. The internal sex organs are the vagina, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and birth, and is connected to the uterus at the cervix. The uterus or womb accommodates the embryo which develops into the foetus. The uterus also produces secretions which help the transit of sperm to the Fallopian tubes, where sperm fertilize ova which are produced by the ovaries. The external sex organs are also known as the genitals and these are the organs of the vulva including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
Vaginal bleeding is any expulsion of blood from the vagina. This bleeding may originate from the uterus, vaginal wall, or cervix. Generally, it is either part of a normal menstrual cycle or is caused by hormonal or other problems of the reproductive system, such as abnormal uterine bleeding.
A uterine malformation is a type of female genital malformation resulting from an abnormal development of the Müllerian duct(s) during embryogenesis. Symptoms range from amenorrhea, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and pain, to normal functioning depending on the nature of the defect.
A cystocele, also known as a prolapsed bladder, is a medical condition in which a woman's bladder bulges into her vagina. Some may have no symptoms. Others may have trouble starting urination, urinary incontinence, or frequent urination. Complications may include recurrent urinary tract infections and urinary retention. Cystocele and a prolapsed urethra often occur together and is called a cystourethrocele. Cystocele can negatively affect quality of life.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is characterized by descent of pelvic organs from their normal positions. In women, the condition usually occurs when the pelvic floor collapses after gynecological cancer treatment, childbirth or heavy lifting.
A reproductive system disease is any disease of the reproductive system.
Uterine prolapse is when the uterus descends towards or through the opening of the vagina. Symptoms may include vaginal fullness, pain with sex, trouble urinating, urinary incontinence, and constipation. Often it gets worse over time. Low back pain and vaginal bleeding may also occur.
A uterine septum is a form of a congenital malformation where the uterine cavity is partitioned by a longitudinal septum; the outside of the uterus has a normal typical shape. The wedge-like partition may involve only the superior part of the cavity resulting in an incomplete septum or a subseptate uterus, or less frequently the total length of the cavity and the cervix resulting in a double cervix. The septation may also continue caudally into the vagina resulting in a "double vagina".
Hematometra is a medical condition involving collection or retention of blood in the uterus. It is most commonly caused by an imperforate hymen or a transverse vaginal septum.
A vaginal disease is a pathological condition that affects part or all of the vagina.
Bovine uterine prolapse occurs when the bovine uterus protrudes after calving. It is most common in dairy cattle and can occur in beef cows occasionally with hypocalcaemia. It is not as commonly seen in heifers, but occasionally can be seen in dairy heifers and most commonly Herefords.
Metritis is inflammation of the wall of the uterus, whereas endometritis is inflammation of the functional lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The term pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often used for metritis.
Müllerian duct anomalies are those structural anomalies caused by errors in müllerian-duct development during embryonic morphogenesis. Factors that precipitate include genetics, and maternal exposure to teratogens.
Vaginal anomalies are abnormal structures that are formed during the prenatal development of the female reproductive system and are rare congenital defects that result in an abnormal or absent vagina. When present, they are often found with uterine, skeletal and urinary abnormalities. This is because these structures, like the vagina, are most susceptible to disruption during crucial times of organ-genesis. Many of these defects are classified under the broader term Müllerian duct anomalies. Müllerian duct anomalies are caused by a disturbance during the embryonic time of genitourinary development. The other isolated incidents of vaginal anomalies can occur with no apparent cause. Oftentimes vaginal anomalies are part of a cluster of defects or syndromes. In addition, inheritance can play a part as can prenatal exposure to some teratogens. Many vaginal anomalies are not detected at birth because the external genitalia appear to be normal. Other organs of the reproductive system may not be affected by an abnormality of the vagina. The uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries can be functional despite the presence of a defect of the vagina and external genitalia. A vaginal anomaly may not affect fertility. Though it depends on the extent of the vaginal defect, it is possible for conception to occur. In instances where a functional ovary exists, IVF may be successful. Functioning ovaries in a woman with a vaginal defect allows the implantation of a fertilized ovum into the uterus of an unaffected gestational carrier, usually another human. A successful conception and can occur. Vaginal length varies from 6.5 to 12.5 cm. Since this is slightly shorter than older descriptions, it may impact the diagnosis of women with vaginal agenesis or hypoplasia who may unnecessarily be encouraged to undergo treatment to increase the size of the vagina. Vaginal anomalies may cause difficulties in urination, conception, pregnancy, impair sex. Psychosocial effects can also exist.
Transvaginal mesh, also known as vaginal mesh implant, is a net-like surgical tool that is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) among female patients. The surgical mesh is placed transvaginally to reconstruct weakened pelvic muscle walls and to support the urethra or bladder.
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