Lecture 3 - Urogenital system, udder examination Flashcards
goal cow gestation duration in days
283 days
(9 months 12 days)
calving interval
1 year
what is the “service period”
the period between date of calving
and date of successful conception
a cow should be pregnant within how many days of previous calving?
within 82 days
uterine involution is usually complete by how many days after calving?
40 days
Examination of the female genital organs includes what 4 things
- External examination of the female genital system
- Rectal examination
- Vaginal examination
- Potential further diagnostic tests
Clear tacky vaginal discharge in cows is a sign of?
heat
Dark, red watery discharge in cows is a sign of?
48h after heat
lochia lasts for how long after calving
7-10 days
white discharge in cows is a sign of?
chronic problems of the uterus
Foul smelling, brown/red discharge in cows is a sign of?
acute infection of the uterus (inflammation)/ pyometra
fetal membranes are described as retained if they remain how long after calving
if they take longer than 24 hours to fall
Sinking of the anus in anterior direction/ The upper comissure of vulva is dragged forwards → distortion of
the vulva → fecal contamination may be seen in?
older cows (+ some breeds Charolais)
Rectal examination allows assessment of?
Placement, size and condition of
* Cervix
* Uterine body and horns
* Ovaries
Pregnancy
* Palpable from 6 weeks
Involution of uterus after calving
In older animals a part of/the whole uterus may hang over the pelvic brim (assessment via rectum) - in this case you may…
Attempt to retract the uterus into the pelvis (pull the intercornual ligament or scoop the whole uterus back to pelvis)
size of cervix in heifers?
older cows?
Heifers 2cm width + 4cm length,
older cows 4-5cm width + 8cm length
Just before and after calving the cervix feels softer to touch and is enlarged.
purpose of Broad ligament
Supports the genital tract, attached to pelvis on both sides
Main source of blood for the uterus
Middle uterine artery
Arises from the internal iliac artery.
The blood flow increases greatly as pregnancy progresses so that At 5months of pregnancy a turbulent flow is usually palpable within the middle uterine artery on the pregnant side of the uterus, towards the end on both sides.
Uterus feels much softer and slightly wider than the cervix during which phase of estrus
anestrus
The uterine horns in heifers → same size, 2cm wide.
Older animals → difference of size because of earlier pregnancies.
uterus feels Turgid and tightly coiled during which phase of estrus
during estrus
location of ovaries upon rectal exam
Located on the pelvic floor approximately at the level of uterine body-horn junction
- Left ovary may have slipped
under the anterior border of the
broad ligament (cause of the rumen)
size of inactive and active ovaries
inactive ovaries are 1-1,5cm Ø
Active ovaries are 2,5-3cm Ø
describe follicles upon palpation
Fluid filled and readily compressible structure.
- Smooth surface, often rising above the ovarian surface
- More than one follicle may be present → mature follicle is up to 2cm Ø, soft to touch
describe corpus luteum upon palpation
Firm and non-compressible to the touch ”a mushroom”
describe cysts upon palpation
Cystic ovarian disease
* Common, usually one ovary is
involved
* Size greater than 2,5cm Ø
Luteal cyst
* Symptoms – anoestrus, signs of virilism
* Thick wall, progesterone is secreted