Cows' Vulva Expanding

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pweaver

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Jan 26, 2009
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Just curious on what I'm seeing.  Have a 5 yr old was due 3/8, and a 10 yr old due as early as 3/19, for sure by 4/9.  For a couple weeks, especially 5 yr old, there's been a pink bulge protruding from vulva.  I'm not real concerned about it, but am somewhat wondering if this could lead to something like prolapse.  Both seem ok, just real heavy and this bulge.  Nothing to worry about, or keep an eye on them? 
 

Gargan

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Are you seeing the bulge when they are laying down or can u see it when they're standing also?
 

pweaver

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Just when they're lying down and I'm sure it is pressure from the fetus.  Don't remember this starting this far before they calve.
 

Dooder

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Happens in older cows. I think I had a vet tell me it's the cervix plug. Have had cows where in comes out 6 inches. Good idea to cull them if it gets to bad. The cows crap all over it and then it goes back inside not a good thing.
 

CAB

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  With none of us being able to see your cow it's just a guess, but I think we all assume that it is a vaginal prolapse. If it gets out to the point where it is over center you will probably have to get her in to get it put back in and then usually a vet will either put a stitch in her or a device called a Johnson Button, If you or they choose a stitch, you'll have to cut it when it is time to calve. The Johnson Button will allow her to go ahead and calve but will have to eventually be removed.
 

Dooder

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CAB said:
  With none of us being able to see your cow it's just a guess, but I think we all assume that it is a vaginal prolapse. If it gets out to the point where it is over center you will probably have to get her in to get it put back in and then usually a vet will either put a stitch in her or a device called a Johnson Button, If you or they choose a stitch, you'll have to cut it when it is time to calve. The Johnson Button will allow her to go ahead and calve but will have to eventually be removed.

I don't think it is a vaginal prolapse. But like you said without pictures or being there we can't know. However I'm guessing it almost looks like a thicker version of a water bag hanging out it is more of a light pink than he darker colored vaginal wall. Many middle of the night checks I have walked by and been fooled.

As long as the cows aren't laying down straining and pushing I wouldn't worry about it.
 

Dooder

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This is what I am talking about. Almost looks like she is going to calve.
 

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pweaver

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The picture you provided is what I am seeing.  Have seen this other years, just seems earlier than normal from due date.  No straining or pushing, or when standing.  I know cow age has a lot to do with it, but one is only 5.  Could it also be a sign of big calf?
 

Dooder

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CAB said:
  That is a vaginal prolapse.

Welp learned something new.

I have never had a problem with a cow that does this. I have never had to sew them up, or anything, they all calve out normal. So again, I wouldn't worry a whole lot about it. But I am just some random dude on the internet. If you are really concerned about it call your vet.
 

Lucky_P

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Yep. That's what I was expecting to see...vaginal prolapse.
We used to (don't know if they still do) classify them as Grade 1 through 5

1. Out when they lie down, but goes back in when they stand. (Looks like yours would be a 1, right?)
2. Out when they lie down, usually goes back in when they stand, but sometimes not... but in more than out
3. Out more than in
4. Out all the time
5. Hanging out all the way, with cervical os presented
Used to see those #5s on big ol' Beefmaster cows on a regular basis back in the 1980s... that thing would sometimes be almost as big as a 5-gallon bucket.

They tend to get worse/bigger as time goes on... and worse/bigger closer to parturition, but not all will do so. 
It is a heritable defect... I  wouldn't advise keeping offspring from an affected cow as breeding stock. 
Most breeds that have a history of vaginal prolapse being a problem (Hereford, Shorthorn, and derivative breeds with those two in the mix) have, over the past 30 years, worked hard to eliminate lines carrying that predisposition.
That said, I've seen vaginal prolapse in many breeds - first one I ever saw was in a nondescript black Brahman-cross cow; saw one in a 3/4 Bison-1/4 Brahman cow once.
 

jbzdad

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I think that is a cystocele... the bladder sits ventral (think in front if the cow stands like a human or below if she stands like a cow).. the rectum is opposite that

usually neither of these bulges into the vagina because of supporting ligaments .
These ligaments can be stretched or torn by deliveries and result in weakness...
Also all the tissue around the vulva becomes loose in preparation for calving
in addition there is more pressure in the abdomen pushing things out with 100 pounds of calf, water and swollen uterus involved

all that contributes to the bulge you are seeing... if it is bladder  it is cystocele... if it is rectal it is rectocele

 

pweaver

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Ten year old cow calved last night unassisted, no prolapsing, cleaned well, all is well.  She wasn't A.I.ed.  Tried to use for a recip but she didn't have a CL on transplant day.  Put clean-up bull in June 5 and removed July 5.  So she must have gotten bred NS right away.  June 5 breeding would make calving March 15 (283 days).  Like I posted earlier, she was pushing out for the last 3 - 4 weeks.
 
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