Torsion of the uterus in an Awassi ewe

The treatment of a 4-year-old pluriparous Awassi ewe with torsion of the uterus at parturition is described. At presentation, all the signs of imminent parturition were present and the rostral portion of the vagina was spirally twisted to the right causing complete stenosis of the birth canal with no foetal fluid exiting the uterus. A 360 degrees clockwise uterine torsion was diagnosed. Attempted treatment by rotation of the ewe's body proved unsuccessful. The condition was then corrected surgically via a left flank caesarean operation, and a dead foetus and foetal membranes were removed. The animal made an uneventful recovery and the sutures were removed on the 12th postoperative day.