SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FETAL MACERATION IN CROSSBRED COW

Abstract

A pluriparous Jersey crossbred cow, six years old and eight months pregnant in its third lactation, was brought to the Large Animal Obstetrics Unit of VCC, VCRI Orathanadu due to abdominal straining and vaginal discharge over the past 15 days. The cow appeared listless, had a wet muzzle, and exhibited an elevated rectal temperature of 40.2°C. A per-vaginal examination found a two-finger dilation of the cervix's external os and malodorous discharge. A per-rectal examination disclosed a thick-walled doughy uterus and fetal bones palpated within the uterine body. Trans-rectal ultrasonography verified the presence of fetal bones as echogenic shadows in hypo-anechoic fluid, resulting in a confirmed diagnosis of fetal maceration. As a result, a laparohysterotomy was performed using a left flank incision under local infiltration anesthesia. Adhering to the standard procedure, a Caesarean was conducted, and the macerated fetus' bones were fully extracted from the uterus. The uterine incision was closed with Cushing's and Lambert suture patterns, the abdominal muscles were secured with a continuous interlocking suture pattern, and the skin was closed with a horizontal mattress suture pattern using nylon. The cow received postoperative treatment, including Streptopenicillin, Oxytocin, Flunixin meglumine, Chlorphenaramine maleate, and Meloxicam, for seven days. The skin sutures were removed after 12 days, and the cow recovered without complications, becoming active after finishing the treatment