Student Case Presentation
Reproductive Emergency in a Brahman Heifer
| Date/Time: |
9/11/2025 1330
|
| Presenter: |
Katie Walsh |
| Veterinary School: |
TAM |
Abstract:
A 3-year-old Brahman show heifer was referred for a severe uterine tear obtained during intrauterine manipulation and delivery of a live calf. At presentation, the heifer was hyperthermic, tachypneic, tachycardic, and dull. Vaginal palpation confirmed a near circumferential large uterine tear cranial to the cervix. The patient was taken to standing surgery immediately to correct the uterine tear via a left paralumbar fossa incision. Upon entering the abdominal cavity, in addition to the tear, the placenta was noted to be outside the uterus. During the repair of the uterine tear and removal of the placenta from the abdomen, the patient became recumbent, requiring the surgery to be completed in right lateral recumbency. The patient sustained mild right facial nerve and radial nerve paralysis but was able to rise and walk back to her stall unassisted. She was maintained on intravenous fluids, antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatory drugs postoperatively. The cow experienced periods of inappetence and rumen dysbiosis, which was successfully treated with repeated rumen transfaunations. Five days postoperatively, a firm swelling began to develop cranioventral to the paralumbar incision. Examination by ultrasound discovered significant fluid and fibrin within the muscle layers of the body wall. Approximately 60 liters of fluid was drained from this region, which was subsequently flushed and sampled for bacterial culture. Culture results yielded multiple multi-drug-resistant bacteria. An indwelling tube was placed for continued lavage and antimicrobial therapy that was appropriately based on culture sensitivity results. The patient was maintained in the hospital for long-term wound care and rehabilitation and discharged one month postoperatively. A breeding soundness examination 6 months later revealed adhesions to one ovary, vaginal scarring, and steatitis. However, 10 months postoperatively, the cow was reported to have provided >50 embryos for transfer and continued to do well at the last follow-up 24 months post-op.
