Reposition of prolapsed uterus in the cow

Extract

The dismay which is evoked by the sight of a totally prolapsed and swollen uterus is familiar to all large-animal practitioners. The prolapsed horn (simultaneous individual prolapse of both horns is not possible because of the intercornuate ligament) is frequently 8 to 10 in. in diameter and its reposition requires Herculean efforts. If, as often happens, the animal is unable to rise, owing to concurrent hypocalcaemia or other causes, the difficulties and discomforts associated with reposition are greatly increased. Facilities for raising the cow's hindquarters are commonly not available and, even where they are, this manoeuvre can be very time-consuming.