Bovine mummified fetus

Keywords: BVD, leptospirosis, chromosome, mummy, mummified, bovine, fetus

A mummified fetus obtained from a slaughter specimen. The images show the fetus in state of autolysis where the anatomy is barely recognizable. Even after washing, the identity of the flipper-like mass seen here was not obvious; it contained no bones. The cervix was closed in this case, plugged with thick cervical mucus. The fetus weighed approximately 5.4kg and was lodged in the left uterine horn. It was estimated that the fetus was approximately 5 months of age at the time of its death. A corpus luteum in the left ovary supported the mummified pregnancy.

The mummy as presented (top) and below, partly extracted:

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The mummy, completely removed from the uterus.

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The causes, incidence and treatment of bovine mummified fetuses are elegantly reviewed by Lefebvre R. C. et al 2009. Retrospective case study of fetal mummification in cows that did not respond to prostaglandin F2α treatment. Can Vet J. 50: 71–76 Causes are numerous; BVD, leptospirosis, genetic Jersey, Guernsey and individuals that have experienced mummification before. Self cure does occur but appears to be rare. Usually luteolytic treatment with prostaglandin is effective but in some cases, even luteolysis, endocervical PGE and estrogens are not curative. In such cases, surgery or even extraction per cervicum must be used.

Bovine abortion of unknown origin

Keywords: bovine, abortion, BVD, IBR, Neospora, diagnosis, retained, placenta, zoonosis

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Abortion of a bovine fetus at approximately 5 1/2 months of age (estimated on the basis of its crown rump length).  Despite adequate pathological investigation, the etiology was not established. This is frustrating and extremely common; few would contest the statement that "A specific etiology is probably diagnosed in less than 50% of all cases of abortion". Major causes of abortion in cattle include Neospora bovis, Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), Listeriosis, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), mycotic infections and others, too numerous to mention. Cattle are commonly vaccinated against BVD and IBR to prevent abortion.

Another abortion. Again, the etiology was not determined.

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This fetus was 218 days old at the time of abortion. After 150 days of pregnancy, retention of the placenta is likely and it becomes progressively more common as the duration of pregnancy increases. In this case, the placenta was firmly attached immediately after abortion (see yellow ring) and was retained for several days. During that time, her body temperature was monitored twice daily. Should the cow have become febrile, antibiotics would have been administered.

Note that the operator is wearing gloves. Although gloves are seldom if ever worn while delivering calves, it is advisable to do so after fetuses are aborted. This is because several abortifacient pathogens are zoonoses. These include B. abortus bovis, Leptospira spp, Chlamydia abortus and  Listeria monocytogenes. Care should be taken to wash thoroughly after handling such cases.