Tadesse et al.

2% solution of Lidocaine hydrochloride, respectively. The uterine segment

containing a fetal limb was exteriorized and the uterine wall incised. Immediately

after removing one fetus in anterior presentation, exploration of the uterine cavity

revealed the presence of anther fetus (Fig. 1) in posterior presentation. The second

mummified fetus was also removed. Both fetuses were tightly covered by the fetal

membranes (Fig. 2). The crown- rump length of both the fetuses was about 48 cm,

suggesting that fetal death had occurred, probably, around six months of gestation.

The uterus was sutured with double layer lambert sutures after placing 2.5gm

oxytetracycline in the uterine cavity. The abdominal incision was closed in four

layers. The uterus, peritoneum and the abdominal muscles were sutured with

chromic catgut. The skin incision was closed with silk using interrupted pattern.

20ml (4g) of long acting oxytetracycline was administered I/M and 40 IU oxytocin

was given I/M, immediately post surgery. The animal made on uneventful recovery

and skin sutures were removed on day 9.

The second case was a 7 year old HF x local crossbred cow in her second lactation.

The animal was inseminated about four months back. For the last several days the

animal was reported to be showing intermittent symptoms of tenesmus, followed

by the appearance of membrane like structure at the vulva. No fluid discharge was

reported.

At clinical examination the part of the membranes which was hanging from the

external genitalia was dark colored and necrosed (Fig. 3). Vaginal examination

revealed the presence of a round mass in the anterior vagina, tightly covered by

a membranous structure. The whole mass was removed manually. The external

surface of the membranous covering (chorion) was without any cotyledons, except

at one place where remnants of degenerated chorionic villi were still present. The

fetus was covered by a chocolate colored material which had imparted similar

coloration to the fetal skin (Fig. 4). The crown-rump length of the fetus was 15cm,

suggesting that the fetal death had occurred at about 3 months gestation. Except

for removal of the fetal mummy, no other treatment was required; as the animal

did not show any other signs of illness.

Discussion

Haematic mummification is one of the common features of abnormal fetal

development in bovines. The incidence of this condition has been reported to vary

between 0.13 to 1.8%, although in some herds it may be higher (Barth, 1986).

The death of a fetus in the uterus without simultaneous luteolysis and cervical

relaxation ensures fetal retention. Mummification results due to autolytic changes

28

Theriogenology Insight: 5(1): 25-32. April, 2015