Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Torsion of the uterus are either to the right (clockwise) or to the left (counter clock wise).
• Torsion of the uterus are either pre cervical or post cervical
  The cow is uneasy; restless may show colic by kicking the abdomen and elevation of tail.
• Tenesmus or abdominal straining characteristic of the second stage of labor is seen without progression in parturition.
• In the severe cases of torsion there may be increasing restlessness, all parturient behaviour will cease and unless the animal has been closely observed there may be no knowledge that parturition has begun.
• The degree of torsion various considerably 90˚, 180˚ and 360˚.
• In torsion of greater that 180˚ the birth canal is usually tightly closed so that the cervix and the fetus are not palpate per vaginum.
• If the torsion exceeds 270 it is difficult or impossible to pass the hand through the twisted portion of the vagina.
• The symptoms of torsion may be completely lacking if torsion is of a mild degree 45 to 90.
• When the torsion is 180 or more definite signs of abdominal pain, such as anorexia, constipation, restlessness or colic like symptoms may be seen.
• Uterine torsion in ewe is characterised by a stiff, stilted gait.