Introduction

• Uterine torsion is a relatively common obstetrical emergency.
• Manual correction of uterine torsion is necessary before vaginal delivery of a calf can be attempted.
• Torsion can vary in severity from mild <90° degree torsion to full >360° torsion.
• Most cases can be corrected manually per vaginum.

Uses

• To correct uterine torsion either during mid-gestation or, more commonly, immediately prior to calving.

Advantages

• Non-invasive.
• Quick.
• Relatively simple.

Disadvantages

• Patient may require cesarean Cesarean section to deliver calf even after torsion is corrected due to inflammation and tissue friability.
• Can be physically demanding.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• There are very few studies on prognosis following uterine torsion, however some figures have been reported:
  • 100 day survival rate of 93%.
  • 200 day survival rate of 84%.
  • Culling rate of 57%.
  • High rate of calf mortality associated with uterine torsion (24-71%).

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Lyons N A, Knight-Jones T J D, Aldridge B M & Gordon P J (2013) Incidence, management and outcomes of uterine torsion in dairy cows. Cattle Practice 21, 1-6 VetMedResource.
• Lyons N & Gordon P (2013) Bovine uterine torsion: A review. Livestock 18, 18-24.
• Aubry P, Warnick L D, Decoteaux L & Bouchard E (2008) A study of 55 field cases of uterine torsion in dairy cattle. Can Vet J 49 (4), 366-372 PubMed.
• Drost M (2007) Complications during gestation in the cow. Theriogenology 68 (3), 487-91 PubMed.
• Pearson H (1971) Uterine torsion in cattle: a review of 168 cases. Vet Rec 89 (23), 597-603.