Causes and symptoms of uterine prolapse in a cow, treatment and prevention
Prolapse of the uterus is a rare pathology in cows that occurs after childbirth, but still, the breeder must be ready for such consequences. The further health and productivity of the animal, and sometimes life, depends on how correctly and in a timely manner the assistance is provided to the animal. Consider what are the reasons for the loss of the uterus in a cow, and what needs to be done by the owner of the animal.
Fallout types
In this postpartum pathology, 2 types are distinguished - partial, as well as complete loss of organs - the uterus or vagina. Vaginal prolapse occurs in pregnant females when there are several weeks left before delivery, and uterine prolapse occurs after childbirth.
Partial loss can develop due to weak ligaments as a result of keeping cows on sloping floors, inadequate physical activity, or the time the animals spend walking. The prolapse looks like this: in the supine position of the cow, a part of the vagina comes out of the genital slit, which retracts itself back when the animal stands up. In some individuals, loss can occur every pregnancy.
If the prolapse is complete, the uterus is a red cone-shaped mass that extends out of the cow's body. Uterine prolapse is a continuation of this process, which can also be partial or complete.
Causes of the problem
Uterine prolapse in cattle is often a complication of labor. The age of the animal contributes to it, in young cows this organ is still elastic, in old ones, which brought 8-9 calves, it loses elasticity and falls out. The causes of complications are diseases that are associated with intrauterine development of the fetus, its improper or quick exit, difficult childbirth, multiple pregnancy. Or the short umbilical cord of the fetus, which pulls the uterus along. Often, the organ can fall out when the placenta comes out.
Uterine prolapse after calving can occur against the background of malnutrition, a lack of magnesium, calcium, zinc and other mineral elements in the diet, and an excess of protein. The problem may arise due to the animal's infections during the dry period, gastrointestinal diseases, lack of active movements, and 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 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 cause loss, while after giving birth, the cow lies, does not stand up, does not understand the head.
Signs and symptoms
It is difficult not to notice that the uterus has fallen out, it is difficult - the organ is large, pear-shaped, with complete prolapse, it can hang down from the cow to the hock joints. At first it has a bright red color, when it is outside the body for several hours it becomes brown, sometimes acquires a bluish color. Traces of the placenta may be visible on the surface of the uterus, 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 immediately as soon as the problem is detected. You can't hesitate, over time the likelihood of developing necrotic processes and sepsis increases. If you do not immediately help the animal, it can die from internal infection.
Reduction is done under local anesthesia. First of all, you need to position the cow so that the back of it is slightly raised. For disinfection, treat the entire surface of the uterus with a 1% solution of potassium permanganate. After that, the particles of the placenta are easier to remove. Then the uterus should be examined to identify possible necrotic lesions that need to be treated with iodine. If tissue necrosis has spread strongly, the best solution would be to remove the organ.
The veterinarian must direct the organ into the body cavity, he must also take measures to prevent inflammation - endometritis and mastitis. Sometimes the 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 afterbirth, treat the uterus with antiseptic agents and set it back. Sutures may be needed to prevent recurrence. 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 inflammation. This is achieved by using hormonal medications and antibiotics.
Dangerous consequences
Necrotic changes in the tissues of the uterus are the reason for its surgical removal. Often this is the only option that remains to save the animal. This is a serious pathology, and even timely and correctly performed uterine reduction does not guarantee that the cow will not develop uterine diseases.
The further reproductive use of the cow depends on the success of the veterinary measures. Sometimes animals after such an operation remain sterile, they are discarded.
Prevention
During a cow's pregnancy, 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 the feed that the animal will eat during the period of feeding the calf.
During pregnancy, the cow should be kept in a clean, ventilated, light and warm room. Any deviation from the norm in the conditions of maintenance and care will increase the likelihood of a problem. The animal should not be allowed to get sick during pregnancy, especially with infectious diseases.
Since it has been established that the weakening of the ligaments of the limbs plays a great role in the development of this pathology, it is necessary to keep a pregnant cow in a stall with an even, not sloping floor. In this case, the load on the legs is distributed evenly, and there is no problem.
It is important that a cow is delivered 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.
Uterine prolapse in cattle after calving is uncommon, but it requires immediate intervention 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, besides, you can harm the animal even more.
