Diagnosis and Management of Uterine Torsion

Abstract

Uterine torsions are most often diagnosed because of abnormal clinical signs in the dam. Uterine torsions likely occur at some stages of pregnancy without clinicians’ knowledge and without causing harm. The ability to diagnose the direction of uterine torsion is critical to non-surgical correction. Standing, sternal recumbency, and lateral recumbency positions may be used. Vaginal speculum examination or transvaginal palpation can be used to diagnose the presence of a uterine torsion in many cases. Diagnosis of uterine torsion is based on palpation of deviation of the broad ligaments. Uterine torsion can be corrected either with medical or surgical intervention. Uterine torsion presents a significant risk to the life of the dam and cria. The cause of uterine torsion is unknown. Studies in other species have documented risk factors including large fetal size, having a male fetus, breed predispositions, and maternal illness.