Prolapse in sheep - how to empty the bladder
If you’ve discovered a ewe with a prolapse and called the vet, there’s an important first step you can take to help her—emptying her bladder. A full bladder not only increases her discomfort but also makes it much harder, sometimes impossible, to replace the prolapse. Worse still, if left too long, it can lead to toxic shock and death.
Why can't she urinate?
When a prolapse occurs, the bladder is often pulled out along with the vaginal or uterine tissue. As this happens, the urethra—the tube that allows urine to exit—gets kinked. At first, the ewe may still manage to urinate a little, but very quickly, the bladder fills up, stretching painfully. Because of the kink, she physically cannot relieve herself.
Why it's dangerous
A full bladder creates multiple risks:
Increased pain and stress – The bladder becomes heavy, stretching tissue unnaturally.
Makes the prolapse harder to replace – The more distended the bladder, the harder it is to return the prolapsed tissue.
Risk of bladder rupture – The bladder can stretch to the point of bursting, which is fatal.
Toxic shock – If the urine cannot exit, toxins back up into the kidneys and bloodstream, leading to a rapid decline in health.
How to help
If you’re comfortable handling the ewe, you can assist in draining the bladder before the vet arrives.
Step 1: Clean
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
If you have gloves, wear them.
Use warm, clean water and a soft cloth or cotton wool to gently clean the exposed tissue. Avoid scrubbing or removing any scabs.
Step 2: Lifting the prolapse to release the urine
The ewe does not need to be standing for this—she can be lying down.
Place both hands underneath the prolapse and gently lift it upwards and slightly forward toward her back.
The goal is to unkink the urethra so that urine can escape. The bladder is heavy with urine, so lift carefully and patiently.
Step 3: Adjust if necessary
If lifting alone doesn’t work, gently shift the prolapse slightly forward to help unkink the urethra further.
Be patient—urine may flow slowly at first. You may have to hold the prolapse up for a while as she empties her bladder.
Step 4: Let her finish
Expect urine to trickle down your arms—this is normal.
Allow her to completely empty her bladder before attempting anything else.
What happens next?
Once the bladder is emptied, the prolapse will be easier to replace. The vet will:
Clean and assess the prolapse.
Administer pain relief if needed.
Gently push the prolapse back in and secure it, often with stitches or a prolapse harness.
Check for complications such as necrotic (dead) tissue.
Final thoughts
A prolapse is an urgent situation, but helping your ewe urinate before the vet arrives can significantly improve her chances of a smooth recovery. Even if you’re unsure about replacing the prolapse yourself, simply relieving the pressure of a full bladder can make a huge difference.
