Ultrasonographic findings of an ovarian abscess in a cow

Ultrasonographic examination was carried out in a cow with an ovarian abscess. Real time ultrasound scanning using a 7.5 MHz linear probe per rectum revealed an active left ovary with follicles of up to 11 mm in diameter and an enlarged right ovary measuring 6 x 6 cm, with a mass of 4 x 3 cm. The mass had varied echotexture, a thick hyperechoic boundary and a hypoechoic centre with echoic foci. It was tentatively diagnosed as an ovarian tumour or abscess. After ovariectomy, grossly the right ovary measured 6 x 6 x 5 cm and on cutting cheesy pus oozed out. The abscess was completely localised within the ovary, 4 cm in diameter and encapsulated thickly. On bacteriological examination Staphylococcus spp. was isolated. This is a rare case of ovarian abscess.