Bovine Uterine Torsion

Question 1

Predisposing causes for bovine uterine torsion

Answer 1

• large abdomen
• off feed
• lame - poor footing
• poor facilities
• pluriparous = having had two or more pregnancies
• being in late gestation
• Big Cow -> could be related to the large abdomen

Question 2

multiparous

Answer 2

litters bearers such as dogs, cats, and pigs

Question 3

3 Most Common Reasons for Arrested Parturition

Answer 3

• uterine torsion
• true breech calf
• monster calf (abnormal, extra limbs)

Question 4

Signs of arrested parturition

Answer 4

• acted like was going to calf a few days ago = off feed, isolated self from herd, bagged up with milk, etc, but hasn’t calved
• went through first stage of labor and just quit

Question 5

How should a uterine torsion be checked for?

Answer 5

• After arrested parturition or other signs of a possible uterine torsion, throughly scrub vulva and put on a sterile glove before performing a vaginal examination
• Following the vaginal exam, do a rectal palpation to feel for the broad ligament to figure out which way the torsion is

Question 6

Clinical signs of uterine torsion

Answer 6

• arrested parturition
• abdominal pain
• lack of appetite
• constipation
• depressed rumen contractions
• rapid pulse
• restlessness
• treading
• tail switching

Can look like signs of first stage labor

Question 7

Corrections for Uterine Torsions

Answer 7

• manual
• rolling cow
• laparotomy
• caesarian section

Question 8

In what direction should a cow be rolled to correct a uterine torsion?

Answer 8

Always roll in direction of torsion

Question 9

What is a laparotomy?

Answer 9

surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity.