Hysterotomy by a colpotomy approach for treatment of foetal mummification in a cow

A 7-year-old Brahman cow was diagnosed as suffering from chronic foetal mummification of unknown aetiology, concurrent cystic ovarian disease, prolapse of the 2nd cervical ring and chronic cervicitis. Repeated treatment with prostaglandin F2alpha and oestrogen failed to resolve the mummification. A hysterotomy was performed via an incision in the dorsolateral vaginal wall. Good exposure of the uterine horn was achieved and mild post-operative complications were observed. Colpotomy can be regarded as an alternative surgical approach to the moderately enlarged bovine uterus.