Prolapse of the uterus in a cow: what it looks like and causes, treatment and consequences

Prolapse of the uterus is a rare pathology in cows that occurs after childbirth, but still, a livestock breeder needs to be prepared for such consequences. The further he alth and productivity, and sometimes life, depend on how correctly and timely assistance is provided to the animal. Consider what are the causes of uterine prolapse in a cow, and what the owner of the animal should do.

Types of fallouts

In this postpartum pathology, 2 types are distinguished - partial, as well as complete prolapse of organs - the uterus or vagina. Vaginal prolapse occurs in pregnant females when there are several weeks left before delivery, uterine prolapse occurs after childbirth.

Partial prolapse can develop due to ligament laxity as a result of keeping cows on sloping floors, due to insufficient physical activity or time taken by animals for walking. The prolapse looks like this: in the supine position, a part of the vagina comes out of the genital slit in the cow, which is removed on its own back when the animal gets up. In some individuals, prolapse may occur every pregnancy.

If the prolapse is complete, the uterus is a red cone-shaped formation that comes out of the cow's body. Uterine prolapse is a continuation of this process, which can also be partial or complete.

When any loss occurs, the owners of the cow need to know what to do and how to help the animal.

Causes of the problem

Prolapse of the uterus in cattle often occurs as a complication of childbirth. The age of the animal contributes to it, in young cows this organ is still elastic, in old ones, which brought 8-9 calves each, it loses elasticity and falls out.The causes of the complication are diseases that are associated with the intrauterine development of the fetus, its incorrect or rapid exit, difficult childbirth, multiple pregnancy. Or a short umbilical cord of the fetus, which pulls the uterus behind it. Often, the organ can fall out when the afterbirth comes out.

Prolapse of the uterus after calving can occur due to malnutrition, lack of magnesium, calcium, zinc and other mineral elements in the diet, excess protein. The problem may arise due to infections carried by the animal during the dry period, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, lack of active movements, late start.

The reason that the uterus came out may be a combination of factors during childbirth, such as poor moisture in the birth canal and the rapid passage of the fetus through them.

Because of this, negative pressure arises in the uterine cavity, under the influence of which the organ is pulled outward.Other factors that can lead to stretching of the uterus are an increase in intra-abdominal pressure due to swelling of the scar, overfeeding, colic. Often in this case, childbirth can be somewhat premature or complicated. Hypocalcemia can also be the cause of prolapse, while after giving birth the cow lies down, does not stand up, does not understand her head.

Signs and symptoms

It is difficult not to notice that the uterus has fallen out - the organ is large, pear-shaped, with complete prolapse, it can hang down from the cow to the hocks. At first, it has a bright red color, when outside the body it becomes brown for several hours, sometimes it acquires a bluish color. On the surface of the uterus, traces of the placenta may be noticeable, as it is turned outward. Sometimes it happens that the bladder and part of the rectum prolapse along with the uterus, but such cases are usually rare.

How to treat uterine prolapse in cows

Treatment should be started as soon as a problem is discovered. It is impossible to delay, over time, the likelihood of developing necrotic processes and sepsis increases. If you do not immediately help the animal, it may die from internal infection.

Reduction is done under local anesthesia. First of all, you need to position the cow so that its back is slightly raised. For disinfection, treat the entire surface of the uterus with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. After that, the afterbirth particles are easier to remove. Then the uterus should be examined to identify possible necrotic foci that need to be treated with iodine. If tissue necrosis has spread strongly, removal of the organ will be the best solution.

The veterinarian must set the organ into the body cavity, he must also take measures to prevent inflammation - endometritis and mastitis.Sometimes prolapse of the uterus occurs during childbirth, then the calf is in it. If this happens, it is necessary to remove the fetus from the uterus, separate the placenta, treat the uterus with antiseptic agents and set it back. You may need stitches to prevent relapse. After the end of the event, antispasmodics and antibiotics are prescribed to the animal inside. Subsequent treatment should be aimed at strengthening the uterine tone and preventing the onset of inflammation. This is achieved using hormonal medications and antibiotics.

Dangerous Consequences

Necrotic changes in the tissues of the uterus is the reason for its surgical removal. Often this is the only option left to save the animal. This is a serious pathology, and even timely and correctly performed reduction of the uterus does not guarantee that the cow will not develop uterine diseases.

The further use of the cow in reproductive terms depends on the success of veterinary measures. Sometimes animals after such an operation remain infertile, they are culled.

Prevention

During the pregnancy of a cow, the owner needs to check the diet and correct possible feeding errors. Concentrates should be no more than half of the total feed volume, mineral and vitamin supplements, the introduction of calcium and protein, for example, from legumes, are required. 1-2 months before calving, reduce the calorie content of the diet. Before calving, introduce feed that the animal will eat during the period of feeding the calf.

During pregnancy, the cow should be in a clean, ventilated, bright and warm room.Any deviation from the norm in housing and care will increase the likelihood of a problem. The animal should not be allowed to get sick during pregnancy, especially infectious diseases.

Since it has been established that weakening of the ligaments of the limbs is of great importance in the development of this pathology, it is necessary to keep a pregnant cow in a stall with a flat, not sloping floor. In this case, the load on the legs is distributed evenly, and there is no problem.

It is important that the birth of a cow is taken by a person who has the necessary knowledge and experience. Not always an ordinary person, even keeping cows for many years, will be able to help an animal with quick or multiple births.

Prolapse of the uterus in cattle after calving is an infrequent occurrence, but it requires immediate attention from the breeder and veterinarian. Treatment should be carried out only by a qualified doctor, it is extremely problematic to do it on your own, and besides, you can harm the animal even more.

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