Hysterotomy of a dairy cow with long-time macerated foetus - a case report

A Simmental dairy cattle. aged seven years old. was presented with a history of foul smelling discharge from the external genitalia. According to the history, during the latest parturition the foetus had died in the uterus and was partially removed, but parts of the foetus had remained in the uterus for the following fourteen months. Gynaecological examination confirmed an open cervix. Trans-rectal palpation and ultrasound examination revealed extension, thickening and tension of the uterine wall and the presence of putrid parts of the foetus in the uterus. Attempts to remove the foetus by prostaglandin injections were futile, hence left side low flank hysterotomy was performed under cranial epidural anaesthesia and local infiltration anaesthesia. The foetal bones were removed and the other pathological contents were also removed. The cow gained weight and could subsequently be sent for slaughter. It was concluded that left flank hysterotomy can be useful for removal of macerated foetus from cows.