Clinical Observations on a Case of Mummified Foetus in a Cow

Abstract

An Ayrshire cross cow was in an apparently normal second pregnancy. At approximately 7.5 months of pregnancy it manifested overt oestrus during which a vulval discharge of brownish tenacious mucus was observed. Ten days later she aborted a mummified foetus which appeared to be about 4.5 months old. The cow came on heat again 6 days later and was served. She conceived to this service, had a normal pregnancy and calved uneventfully 278 days later. This case supports observations already reported elsewhere that mummification of foetus does not affect the general health or the future reproductive performance of the animal.

It is therefore advisable that when two sets of symptoms occur in this instance the pregnancy and overt oestrus, a rectal examination should be carried out.