Backgrou

The rectum is the final section of the colon, beginning at the pelvic opening and ending at the anus. Rectal prolapse is a condition in which one or more layers of the rectum protrude from the anus as a result of constant exertion.

There are two types of "prolapses", internal (covert) and external (visible). In the visible prolapsed state, the “inverted” colon protrudes out through the anus. In a covert prolapse, the process of "folding" stops at the level of the inner sphincters of the anus and is not visible or noticeable.

Discernment

Rectal prolapse can be noticed early during a period of exertion or coughing by the presence of bright red tissue which protrudes from the anus. If there is no initial diagnosis and therefore no treatment performed accordingly all rectum tissues will prolapse and occasionnally relapse. Continued deterioration brings the rectum to protrude permanently. The length of the protrution may reach up to 5 cm, the protrution may bleed and dry out and thus become infected and even lead to necrosis.

Symptoms

The subject is noticibly ill, and is not eating properly.

Causes of the phenomenon

Cough

Coughing is an initial factor for rectal prolapse.

The first cause of cough is epithelial damage. Especially in lambs which grow in unfavorable conditions such as in high density and without proper ventilation. These conditions cause an accumulation of ammonia which damages the renal epithelium lining the trachea. The role of the bridle epithelium is to prevent the entry of polluting particles into the respiratory system. When the epithelium is damaged there may be infiltration of contaminating particles into the breath which will cause an acute and chronic cough which will lead to rectal prolapse.

A second cause of cough is dry lime or bile which is scattered on the floor of the pen. A third factor is pneumonia which is typical in lambs aged 2-6 months. As a result of all these factors, rectal prolapse may occur as a result of a cough, this factor should be treated upon its onset to prevent aggravation of the phenomenon.

Tail snipping

Tail snipping is a popular technique in which a lambs' tail is cut and shortened. If the snip is preformed too too high up and close to the body, it increases the chances of rectal prolapse.

Feed

Feed also weighs heavily on rectal prolapse. Lambs that feed on concentrated foods are at high risk for the phenomenon.

Sheep that are fed on feed that contain legumes including pea hay and Alfalfa may suffer more from the phenomenon, this is because these plants contain estrogens which can cause the sphincter muscle to relax and allow the rectum to prolapse.

diarrhea

Diarrhea stimulates the intestinal wall and causes the animal to strain, thus putting it at greater risk for rectal prolapse.

Biological characteristics

A variety of biological characteristics that affect the chance of rectal prolapse such as:

• Sex and physical condition - The sex and physical condition of the animal can influence the probability of a prolapsed rectum. Fat female lambs are more sensitive than male lambs. The fat accumulates in the pelvis and put together with a factor like diarrhea the pressure on the rectum increases and thus increasing the chance of prolapse.
• Age - age also has an effect on the chance of prolapse. Weaning lambs, for example, are much more sensitive than suckling lambs or adult sheep.
• Pregnancy - In the last stages of pregnancy the uterus and its contents cause an increase in pressure on the abdominal and pelvic cavities and thus may increase the chance of rectal prolapse.
  

Treatment

• Consult a veterinarian and identify the stage in which the prolapse was identified and treat accordingly.
• In an initial state of prolapse, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the protruding tissue from the anus. First with lukewarm water and soap or polydine, and then with an antiseptic solution.
• The tissue should then be put back in place by a veterinarian.
• If necessary, the rectum can be sutured so that the phenomenon does not recur.
• Continue treating the causes of the phenomenon in order to reduce the animals' straining.
  

Prevention

Try to follow all the advice listed below to reduce the chance of rectal prolapse:

• Prevent coughing and chronic coughing by well ventilating the pen.
• Reduce animal crowdedness and choose an appropriate pen lining.
• Snip tails with caution, leaving enough to fully cover the rectum.
• Practice treatment and prevention of diarrhea, especially those caused by coccidia.
• keep pregnant animals closly looked, proper preparation for calving may reduce the incidence as well.
  
• Manage legume percentages in the feed.