A study of 23 dairy cows with post-partum uterine torsion

Abstract

Background: Uterine torsion in dairy cows generally occurs during gestation. However, some cows develop uterine torsion after calving, and the details of which are not known. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the clinical signs, epidemiological characteristics and treatment methods of 23 cases of post-partum uterine torsion in dairy cows. Methods: A total 23 Holstein dairy cows diagnosed with post-partum uterine torsion were investigated. The clinical signs and epidemiological information were reviewed from medical records. The diagnostic methods, findings and treatment method of each case were recorded. Results and conclusions: Post-partum uterine torsion is typically observed in dairy cows 9.6 ± 3.7 days after calving. That is, 21 out of 23 [91%] were multiparous and 8 out of 23 [34.8%] were characterised by multiple births. The retained placenta was observed in at least 20 out of 23 [87%], and a standing abnormality was observed in 18 out of 23 [78.3%]. The clinical signs observed in all cases included anorexia and accumulation of lochia and gas with a putrid odour in the uterus. In addition, eight and nine cases treated with the transrectal manual method and laparotomy, respectively, were cured. In conclusion, post-partum uterine torsion in dairy cows developed around 10 days after calving, with anorexia and accumulation of lochia and gas with a putrid odour in the uterus. It has been suggested that torsion can be reconstructed using the transrectal manual method or laparotomy.