Diagnosis and Management of Ringwomb in Sheep: Challenges and Approaches

Small ruminants, including sheep and goats, constitute a major part of the livestock population in different countries of the world. About 15-32% of sheep dystocia are due to incomplete dilation of the cervix which is often called ringwomb. This disorder typically occurs during the lambing process, prompting farmers to possibly seek veterinary assistance due to delayed labor. Different causes, such as calcium and phosphorus deficiency, uterine inertia, and fetal inability to enter the cervical canal, could all lead to incomplete dilation of the cervix. In the meantime, many cases of ringwomb occur as idiopathic. Some factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and imbalance of estrogen to progesterone concentration may also contribute to incomplete dilation of the cervix. In practice, it is important to differentiate the ringwomb with similar conditions such as false dilation of the cervix, early dilation syndrome, and vaginal prolapse associated with ringwomb. In this review, the definition of ringwomb in sheep, an exploration of the structure of the sheep’s cervix, the normal process of cervix dilation during lambing, etiology and symptoms of ringwomb, differential diagnosis, and different treatments are discussed.