What is a potential side effect of docking a lamb's tail too short?

• A. Rectal prolapse
• B. Lameness
• C. Digestive issues
• D. Eye infections

Answer: (A)

Docking length matters because the tail protects the perineal area. If you remove too much, the remaining tail tissue doesn’t cover and support the anus well, so the rectum can protrude, especially when the lamb strains to defecate or urinate. This is rectal prolapse, a painful and potentially serious condition that often requires veterinary intervention. The other issues listed aren’t direct consequences of cutting the tail too short—lameness comes from hoof or leg problems, digestive issues aren’t a direct result of tail length, and eye infections aren’t linked to docking. So, over-short docking most directly leads to rectal prolapse.