Sadly this lovely cow’s calf died in mid gestation. The synchronization program we were using to attempt to AI her stimulated her to try to expel the calf which has mummified. He had probably died a few months ago. Her cervix was closed but we eventually got it open enough to deliver this little monster! Wowsa!
The procedure when we diagnose a cow carrying a mummified fetus is to administer prostaglandins. Often the cow will expel the fetus and may need a follow up check. If they don’t expel the mummified calf within 4 days or so, the cervix will need to be manually dialated further, otherwise it will close again. This went well!
It would be inappropriate to perform a c-section for a case like this. I do everything I am capable of to remove deceased calves vaginally, the risk of peritonitis is high otherwise for the mother.
Cheers!
5 сен 2024
