Cost-utility analysis of surgical obstetrics in cattle with torsio uteri intra partum

This study presents a cost-utility analysis concerning profitability of surgical obstetrics in bovines with torsio uteri intra partum. The calculations are based on 43 surgical treated cows and their postoperative outcome. Cows with torsio uteri intra partum which can not be treated conservatively are mostly, until the end of the follwing lactation period, a loss for the owner/farmer of the animal. The total loss of untreated - euthanized patients is almost 1000 euro (mainly expenses for the replacement of animals) whereas the loss of surgical treated animals, including calculated risks, is on an average 200 euro variing from -452 euro to +28 euro. The calculations presented in this study show, that the surgical treatment of conservatively incorrectable uterine torsion intra partum pays.