Intas Polivet (2014) Vol.
15 (II): 410-411 Short Communication
Surgical Management of Uterine Prolapse in a Cow
D.M. Makhdoomi1, Mohsin Ali Gazi2, H.K. Batacharya3 and K.A. Sofi3
Department of Veterinary Clinics
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST-K)
Shuhama, Alusteng
Srinagar - 190006 (Jammu and Kashmir)
Abstract
Management of uterine prolapse in a large sized cow was attempted using Buhners sutures. Large caruncles were
found adhered to surface of prolapsed mass. Treatment involve remove of placenta thoroughly cleaning the endometrial
surface and repairing lacerations. Rubbing the surface of uterus with glycerol to reduce edema and provide lubrication.
The uterus was then returned to its normal position. 
Keywords: Buhner suture; cow; prolapsed mass; uterine prolapse
Introduction
Uterine prolapse occurs when the previously
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gravid horn invaginate after delivery of fetus and
protrudes from vulva. This condition is frequently
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associated in ruminants with dystocia and
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hypocalcaemia (Noakes et al., 2002; Roberts,
1986). Most cases occur within a few hours after
delivery and condition is more common in dairy
cows than other species (Odegaard, 1977).
Uterine prolapse is a rare condition that is
difficult to manage in equines (Roberts, 1986).
Arthur et al. (1999) reported uterine prolapse as
a common problem during 3rd stage of labor.
During prolapse sometimes fetal membranes may
also be found.
History
A 9 year old cow was presented with history of
hanging mass from vaginal orifice. Animal was in
a state of acute pain. Vaginal examination
revealed red and hot, hard prolapsed mass .It was
diagnosed uterine prolapse. The animal had
severe tenesmus, everted uterine mass soiled with
dirt, faeces and straws. The prolapsed mass was
inflammed, edematous, lacerated with necrosis
of fetal membrane. The animal had rapid and
weak pulse and respirations, pale mucus
membrane, severe depression, anorexic and
restlessness.
1. Professor/ Head and Corresponding author.
E-mail: dmmakhdoomi@gmail.com
2. Veterinary Officer
3. Assistant Professor, Clinics
410
Surgical Management
Epidural anesthesia was achieved with 2%
Lignocaine hcl. The hanging prolapsed mass with
dirt and debris (Fig. 1). Soiled was washed with
luke warm water and potash solution (Fig. 2). Cold
ice packs were applied. The mass was gently
pushed in with pressure through vaginal opening
until prolapsed mass regained its normal position
(Fig. 3). After correctly pushing the prolapsed
mass inside, vulva was sutured with Buhners
sutures (Fig. 4). Post-operatively cow was
prescribed 5 x10 lac IU Procaine penicillin G and
5 g Dihydrostreptomycin intramuscular daily for 5
days. The retaining sutures were removed one
week later the recovery was uneventful.
Results and Discussion
The usual procedure for correction of uterine
prolapse is its reduction by a gentle massage,
reposition and retention by application of purse-
stringsutures. (Jean and Anderson 2006; Borobia-
Belsué, 2006). A one/two-fingers opening should
be left when tying purse string (Jean and
Anderson, 2006; Borobia-Belsué, 2006)
according to animal size. However, surgical
correction is often necessary due to various
damages of prolapse (large oedema, laceration,
rupture, infection and necrosis). In our study,
application of Buhners sutures for management
of uterine prolapse was found to effective without
any complications. After epidural anesthesia,
prolapsed mass was repositioned with fist
pressure slowly or alternatively using both hands.
The rupture of vaginal wall in association with
 Makhdoomi et al.
Fig. 1: Prolapsed mass
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Fig. 3: Prolapsed mass pushed inside
after pressure application
uterine prolapse has been reported in bovines
(Andres, 1971). Although, uterine prolapse and
its complications have been well discussed in
literature, no reference of type of complication
observed in buffalo is available (Miesner and
Anderson, 2008). The losses subsequent to post-
partum uterine prolapse can be minimized to a
great extent through appropriate interventions
(Roberts, 1986). Thus, it is recommended that
prompt and accurate treatment subsequent to
post-partum uterine prolapse is imperative for a
favorable prognosis with regard to the fertility of
buffaloes.
Refrences
Arthur, G.H., Noaks, D.E., Person., H. and Parkinson,
T.J. (1999).Veterinary Production and Obstetrics,
7th Edition.
Borobia-Belsué, J. (2006). Replacement of rectal
prolapse in sows. Vet Rec 158: 380
411
Fig. 2: Post cleaning view of prolapsed mass
Fig. 4: Closure of site using Buhners sutures
Noakes, D.E., Parkinson, T.J., England, G.C.W. and
Arthur, G.H. (2002). Arthur’s veterinary Reproduction
and Obstetrics. 8th Ed., Elsevier Sci. Ltd., p.490-95.
Roberts, S.J. (1986). Veterinary Obstetrics and
Genital Diseases, 3rd Ed., SJ. Roberts-Woodstock, NY,
p. 481-359.
Odegaard, S.A. (1977). Uterine prolapse in dairy cows.
Acta Vet Scand. 63: 1.
Jean, G.S. and Anderson, D.E. (2006). Anesthesia and
Surgical Procedures in Swine. In: Straw BE, Zimmerman
JJ, D’Allaire S, Taylor DJ: Diseases of Swine. Blackwell
Publishing, p. 1107-29.
Andres, J. (1971). Prolapse and rupture of the vaginal
wall and uterus in a cow. Schweiz. Arch. Tierheilkd.
113: 320-23.
Miesner, M.D. and Anderson, D.E. (2008). Management
of uterine and vaginal prolapse in the bovine. Vet. Clin.
N. Amer. Food Anim. Pr. 24: 409-19.