A common problem we get called to deal with is uterine torsion in cows.

Uterine torsion normally occurs when the calf jumps or rotates in-utero and brings the uterus with it, causing a twist at the neck of the uterus usually distal to the cervix.

The cow is often not able to pass a waterbag despite being in labour.

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In certain cases, she can be missed and the calf dies and becomes emphysematous.

More frequently the cow is identified as abnormal, but the calf has died by this stage.

Sometimes the cow is identified early by vigilant farmers.

Treating the condition is usually by the vet being able to locate the calf’s head, identify the direction of the twist and swing the calf and uterus back into its normal position.

This is not always possible however, and cows are sometimes “rolled” or devices like gynsticks used to correct the issue.

Caesarean section

Caesarean section is also a common treatment where uterine torsion occurs.

Uterine torsion is normally associated with increased space in the abdomen – when the rumen is not full.

This can be due to restricted feeding pre-calving in beef cows, reduced barrier space, not enough feed availability in calving pens or anything else that limits a full appetite.

Recent studies suggest that lame cows, that spend longer on back legs when getting up, artificially create more abdominal space where a torsion can occur, and lameness is therefore a risk factor for uterine torsion.

The key learning is if a cow looks like she is going to calf, has dropped pin bones but doesn’t pass a waterbag – she should be examined in case the uterus has twisted.

Conor Geraghty, XLVets, Farmgate Veterinary Galway