Bladder prolapse in an Angus heifer around calving

Authors: Catley M
Publication: Grazing Gazette, Volume Issue 71, pp 10-11, Nov 2025
Publisher: Sheep and Beef Cattle Veterinarians Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cattle, Cattle - beef, Cattle - heifer
Article class: Clinical Article

---

Abstract:

Case history: Two-year-old Angus Heifer presented as calving on a Thursday evening, but only exhibiting early stage labour signs. Farmer checked her the next morning and found a strange globoid structure hanging out her vulva and no calf born. He subsequently helped calve a live calf that mothered on to the heifer appropriately and sent some photos to the vet. The calving wasn’t particularly difficult, requiring no extra tools other than the farmers hands. Initially, foetal membranes were retained, but subsequently came out naturally. The heifer seemed in good health otherwise. Photos and videos indicated that the most likely occurrence was a vaginal prolapse. Differentials of uterine/ cervical tear and exteriorisation of vagina (due to hard calving) was considered, and bladder prolapse.

---