Technique and features of rectal examination of a cow for pregnancy
Rectal examination of adult cows for pregnancy can establish the presence of pregnancy and even determine the term. After all, a cow in a position needs special care, care and conditions of detention. In addition, such diagnostics can help identify pathologies of fetal development in the early stages, as well as detect diseases in the pelvic organs of cattle.
Preparation and diagnostic technique
Only a specialist - a veterinarian or a livestock specialist has the right to conduct a cow examination. He is exceptionally able to correctly interpret the results. For the procedure, you will need to prepare the cow in advance, and the doctor must follow all safety measures.
The veterinarian should cut the nails on both hands short, line them with a file, wash hands with soap and warm water, treat all existing wounds and microdamages with iodine or other antiseptic. Wear high rubber or polyethylene disposable gloves up to the shoulder, as well as a sleeve and a waterproof apron. Lubricate the palm with Vaseline for better glide. In addition, you will need the help of a partner who will fix the cow and hold the tail.
Features of the study of the reproductive system
It is worth recalculating a cow very carefully, because there is a high risk of damaging the intestinal mucosa and affecting the genitals. And get infected yourself if the glove breaks. Diagnostics of the reproductive system involves examining the uterus and ovaries for pathologies and tracking the course of pregnancy by months.
With infertility and bearing a fetus, the uterus is located in the pelvic cavity and is easily palpable when the hand is shifted to the side along the bottom, like a dense elastic area. The absence of this sensation speaks of pathologies or late pregnancy.
After that, the doctor proceeds to examine the ovaries. To find them, you need to put your hand on the section where the uterine horns are dividing, your fingers to "hang" between and move to the side until they bump into an ovoid dense object. It is examined for cysts and follicles.
What situations you need to know before the examination:
- An incorrect position of the uterus indicates an endometritis or an advanced age of the animal.
- Increased tone is a sign of pregnancy.
- The uterus with the fetus is strongly stretched, and the consistency of its walls is heterogeneous.
- The intercorneal cavity is smoothed by the third month of pregnancy.
- The pulse of the uterine arteries increases with the approach of labor.
Rectal diagnosis of cattle with the help of hands has worked well, but today it does not provide accurate information about all diseases and abnormalities. For reliability, it is recommended to use ultrasound equipment in combination with the manual method.
