During the parturition period, cattle may encounter various physiological changes and problems, such as changes in milk secretion and hormone levels, which can significantly affect their health. One of the common but potentially dangerous conditions is uterine torsion, particularly if it is not diagnosed and managed promptly.
Dairy cattle raised in Vietnam are predominantly exotic breeds originating from temperate regions and therefore may have relatively lower resistance to diseases under local environmental conditions. In addition, intensive milk production and inappropriate management and nutritional practices may predispose dairy cows to several diseases, including uterine torsion. What is uterine torsion, and what are its typical clinical signs?
1. CAUSES OF UTERINE TORSION
During the prepartum and parturition periods, cattle are susceptible to various diseases because pregnancy and calving involve major hormonal changes and periods of reduced immune function.
In addition, when a dairy cow calves, she enters the lactation period and consequently has a substantially increased energy requirement. Most dairy cows subsequently experience a state of negative energy balance (NEB).
These conditions may directly or indirectly contribute to several periparturient diseases, including uterine torsion.
Prompt treatment of uterine torsion is very important, not only to maintain milk production but also to preserve reproductive performance for the subsequent calving period.
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2. SIGNS THAT THE COW IS APPROACHING PARTURITION
Repeated signs of labor, tail raising or bending, frequent standing up and lying down, accompanied by intermittent straining.
3. CLINICAL SIGNS OF UTERINE TORSION
– Pain persisting for approximately 12–20 hours.
– Dull, persistent pain rather than severe pain; the cow appears restless and repeatedly stands up and lies down.
– Straining without successful expulsion of the fetus.
– Thick vaginal discharge.
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4.DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
– External examination:
+ Persistent, dull abdominal pain.
+ Udder changes: teats appear flaccid and wrinkled.
– Rectal palpation:
+ Spiral folds or twisting of the cervix can be palpated.
– Vaginal examination:
+ The cervix is open, but it is difficult to insert the hand through the cervix due to the torsion.
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5. TREATMENT
– When the cervix is fully dilated, manually rotate and reposition the fetus.
– When the cow is lying down, rotate the cow’s body in the direction opposite to the torsion of the cervix.
– Perform a cesarean section (C-section) when necessary.
We hope that the information provided above about uterine torsion in cattle will help you recognize the clinical signs and understand the appropriate intervention procedures, allowing timely management and more effective care of livestock.