THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF C-SECTION IN ADDRESSING HAEMATIC FETAL MUMMIFICATION IN BOVINES

Abstract

Fetal mummification is a gestational complication that typically occurs during the fourth, fifth, or sixth month of pregnancy in cows, resulting from the intrauterine death of the fetus. A 4-year-old pluriparous Jersey crossbred cow was presented to the Obstetrics Unit of VCC, VCRI, Orathanadu with a history of mild vaginal discharge and anorexia. The cow had been inseminated eight months prior. Clinical examination revealed a normal physical condition, but vaginal examination showed a two-finger dilation of the cervix's external os and a thickened wall. Rectal examination allowed palpation of a hard, firm fetal mass within the tightly contracted uterus, with no signs of fetal fluid, movement, or placentomes. A tentative diagnosis of fetal mummification with a strong likelihood of an anomalous fetus was made. The cow was treated with PGF2α (500 µg; i/m) to induce parturition over two days and monitored for 72-96 hours. Despite daily assessments for cervical dilation over three days, the cow did not respond to PGF2α treatment. Consequently, a C-section was performed following standard protocol, resulting in the delivery of a mummified fetus. The fetus was reddish-brown, and the eye sockets were empty. Postoperative care included antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and antihistamines for seven days at VCC, VCRI, Orathanadu. The cow made a full recovery, and after 60 days, its estrous cycle resumed normally.