Fetal mummification and Maceration

Veterinary Gynacology and Obstetrics

1. Fetal mummification and maceration

2. Fetal mummification It is shriveling or shrinkage of fetus by absorbing all fluid of fetus and uterus. It causes the death of fetus, autolytic changes in fetus, absorption of placental and fetal fluids, involution of maternal caruncles and fetus assumes the shape of mummy. Either corpus luteum is maintained or other viable fetus is found along with mummified fetus. There are two types of mummification: Hematic Mummification Papyraceous Mummification

3. Causes of Mummification Some causes are: Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities Inherited endocrine defect Tortion of umbilical cord. Progesterone deficiency. Inflammation of endometrium. Due to impartial regression of corpus luteum .

4. Semiology of Mummification Uterine wall is strongly contracted around the fetus The cervical seal is intact There are no cotyledons palpable No fremitis No fluid The uterus may be palpable in pelvic cavity Animal will not return to estrus

5. treatment PGF2a 25mg for 4 days Diethyl stilbesterol 100-150 mg for 4 days Estradiol 17 β 4-8 mg for 4 days Put lot of lubricant or Simple oil with luke warm water can be used . Sometimes we have to apply a degree of traction.

6. Maceration of Fetus Maceration is defined by fetal death, regression of corpus luteum but abortion fails to occur. It stays in uterus and starts getting putrefied. The fetus died will be like the threads of tissue . If it occurs before bone formation then it is reabsorbed. I f it occurs after bone formation, the muscles will be destroyed and bone will remain there. In multiparous animals one fetus may emaciate and others are normal .. Two factors for maceration are: fetal death open cervix

7. Semiology of maceration B etween 4-7 months of gestation, there is increase in temperature, increase in pulse rate, anorexia, low milk production, diarrhea, straining, and swollen fetus on rectal palpation.in such case give stilbesterole and dilate cervix and take out fetus . In long standing maceration there is no increase in temperature, pulse or anorexia. Only chronic, reddish grey watery discharge or mucopurulent discharge passes through vagina. There is very bad odour and threads of pus on tail. There is gradual weight loss of animal. If gone unnoticed, treatment becomes difficult. Generally feel bones on rectal palpation.

8. Treatment Better is to slaughter the animal.

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