If a cow 300 days pregnant develops a uterine torsion, what is the recommended action?

In the case of a cow that is 300 days pregnant experiencing a uterine torsion, performing a C-section is the most recommended action. Uterine torsion can lead to severe complications, including compromised blood flow to the uterus and potentially jeopardizing the lives of both the dam and the fetus. Given the advanced stage of pregnancy—being almost at term—the fetus may be significantly affected by the torsion.

A C-section provides a direct and effective means to address the situation by allowing for the surgical delivery of the fetus while also resolving any issues related to the torsion. This method helps ensure the safety of both the cow and the calf, especially in cases where other methods, such as manual correction or inducing labor, may not be successful or could pose further risk.

Other approaches, such as administering anti-inflammatory drugs, may offer symptom relief or reduce inflammation but do not address the underlying issue of the torsion that threatens the health of both the mother and fetus. Likewise, trying to induce labor immediately could lead to complications if the torsion is not resolved first, as contractions during labor might exacerbate the condition. Attempting to manually correct the torsion is often not feasible in many cases, particularly with significant torsions, and can lead to