Fetal Maceration in a Heifer: Case Report

Fetal maceration is a pregnancy pathology characterized by the death of the fetus at any stage of pregnancy and the failure of the fetus to be removed as a result of the failure of the abortion mechanism. As a result of luteal regression, the fetus undergoes a bacterial autolysis under the effect of bacteria migration the uterus through the opened or partially open cervix uteri. As a result of this bacterial autolysis, necrotic areas in the soft tissues of the fetus and fragmentation in the bones occur. With these fetal destructions, fetal integrity is impaired. Along with these events, the general condition of the animal is affected, presenting loss of appetite, weakness, pain, and a foul-smelling-red/gray vaginal discharge are observed. Vaginal discharge examination and anamnesis help us in terms of diagnosis. In the treatment, medical or surgical interventions are performed according to the decision of the veterinarian. In the presented case report, the interventions performed with a case of fetal maceration in a heifer, which was on the 284th day of pregnancy, and which had a foul-smelling, gray-red discharge and bone fragments from the vagina of a dairy farm were evaluated. As a result of clinical examinations, it was determined that fetal skeletal integrity was impaired and decay started with putrefaction. As a result of the treatment with PGF2-alpha to remove the dead fetus from the uterus, it was observed that not all of the tissues of the offspring were removed vaginally and the foul-smelling-prulent discharge continued. It was decided to slaughter of the heifer due to the management policy of the farm and the failure to obtain a positive response as a result of the medical treatment applied. In conclusion, fetal maceration cases in cattle is a pregnancy pathology that adversely affects animal health and fertility. The treatment method to be applied in these cases should be chosen depending on the general condition of the animal and the management policy of the enterprise.

Journal

LARGE ANIMAL REVIEW

Year

2023

Volume

29

Issue

6

Pages

279-282

ISSN

1124-4593

WoS UID

WOS:001181780100007