Dystocia and Accidents of Gestation

Ultrasonographic and haematology findings as an indicator of uterine torsion prognosis in cattle

“…Uterine torsion, that is, rotation of the uterus on its longitudinal axis, is classified according to the region where it occurs as pre-cervical, cervical or post-cervical if the twist is in the uterine body, cervix or anterior vagina, respectively. 1 Rotation can vary from 45 • to 360 • to the left or right, 2 leading to partial or total occlusion of the birth canal. 3 Mild degree torsion (<180 • ) can be accompanied by clinical signs and risks to the life of the fetus and mother, whereas moderate (>180 • ) or high (>270 • ) degree torsions are always associated with severe impairment of the uterine blood supply and are considered life-threatening emergency conditions.…”

“…7,8 The cow's high predisposition to uterine torsion relates to its short broad ligament, which experiences a relatively small increase during pregnancy. 1 These conditions gradually leave the uterine greater wide curvature more unrestrained as pregnancy evolves due to the advancement of the heavy and asymmetric uterus in a cranioventral direction. 9,10 Anatomical variability in the attachment of broad ligaments seems to differently predispose the bovine pregnant uterus to torsion.…”

“…Bos taurus cattle, crossbred cattle, and buffaloes are more predisposed to uterine torsions than Bos indicus cattle 11 due to the attachment of broad ligaments on the ventrolateral side of the uterus. 1,12,13 In Bos indicus cattle, the pregnant uterus is more stable due to the attachment of broad ligaments on the dorsal side in the anterior two-thirds of the uterus and on the ventrolateral side in the posterior one-third of the uterus. 1 Although this condition is referred to as uncommon in Nelore cows, 14,15 the possibility of it being underdiagnosed cannot be ruled out.…”

“…1,12,13 In Bos indicus cattle, the pregnant uterus is more stable due to the attachment of broad ligaments on the dorsal side in the anterior two-thirds of the uterus and on the ventrolateral side in the posterior one-third of the uterus. 1 Although this condition is referred to as uncommon in Nelore cows, 14,15 the possibility of it being underdiagnosed cannot be ruled out.…”

“…Additionally, the risk increases with an overweight 16 and/or male fetus in the uterus. 1,17 Other factors that seem to favour the condition are feeding cows with concentrate diets, the way cows rise (initially rising on their hindlimbs and only later on forelimbs) 18 and when the cow falls and rolls over. 9,18 Although ultrasonography is a valuable tool for the reproductive evaluation of livestock animals, 19,20 only one study reported ultrasound findings in cows with uterine torsion, 21 where the presence of marked thickness of the uterine wall and multiple hypoechogenic areas was associated with necrosis of the uterine wall and poor prognosis.…”