For a cow at 300 days gestation with uterine torsion, what is the recommended intervention?

For a cow at 300 days gestation with uterine torsion, what is the recommended intervention?

• A. Induced Abortion
• B. Manual Detorsion with Fetotomy
• C. C-Section
• D. Monitor and Wait

Answer: (C)

Late-term uterine torsion in a cow is an obstetric emergency where the priority is to relieve the obstruction and deliver the calf to protect the dam’s life and improve the chances for the calf. At 300 days, the fetus is near term, and prolonged torsion compromises uterine blood flow, placental function, and maternal stability. A cesarean section provides the fastest, most controlled way to both undo the torsion (as needed) and deliver the fetus, maximizing the odds of survival for the dam and the calf when time is critical. Trying to detorse manually with fetotomy can be time-consuming and carries higher risks of uterine rupture or unsuccessful or incomplete delivery in late gestation, and it may still require surgical intervention. Inducing abortion ends the pregnancy and is not favored when the dam and a potentially viable calf can be rescued. Monitoring and waiting allows progression to complications such as uterine necrosis, septicemia, or dam failure, which is why it’s not appropriate in this emergency.

Late-term uterine torsion in a cow is an obstetric emergency where the priority is to relieve the obstruction and deliver the calf to protect the dam’s life and improve the chances for the calf. At 300 days, the fetus is near term, and prolonged torsion compromises uterine blood flow, placental function, and maternal stability. A cesarean section provides the fastest, most controlled way to both undo the torsion (as needed) and deliver the fetus, maximizing the odds of survival for the dam and the calf when time is critical.

Trying to detorse manually with fetotomy can be time-consuming and carries higher risks of uterine rupture or unsuccessful or incomplete delivery in late gestation, and it may still require surgical intervention. Inducing abortion ends the pregnancy and is not favored when the dam and a potentially viable calf can be rescued. Monitoring and waiting allows progression to complications such as uterine necrosis, septicemia, or dam failure, which is why it’s not appropriate in this emergency.