Management of Fetal Mummification/Maceration Through Left Flank Caesarean Section in Cows - Study of Four Cases

The present study was conducted on 4 Gynaecological cases in cows presented to Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, (VCC), LUVAS, Hisar with history of over gestation and suffering from dystocia due to fetal maceration (two cows) and foetal mummification (two cows).All animals were already treated at field level for induction of parturition with PGF2α and Dexamethasone 72-96 hours before reporting to VCC but no response was observed. On per vaginal examination, two animals were found with closed cervix and two had 2 fingers open cervix. All animals were examined through trans-rectal ultrasonography and confirmed pregnant with scanty fluid in contracted uterus and fetal skeleton. Initially, all animals were treated for induction of parturition with Valethamate bromide, Estradiol benzoate, PGF2α, and Calcium boro-gluconate. But no response was observed after 24 to 48 hrs of treatment in cervical dilatation. So, it was decided to perform laparohysterotomy through flank approach in all cases as uterus was contracted around small fetus which was difficult to exteriorise with ventro-lateral incision parallel to milk vein in lateral recumbency. In all animal fetuses were exteriorised successfully. Post-operative treatment with fluids and antibiotics was recommended for 7 days. All animal except one with severe uterine adhesion recovered and became cyclic.