Twin mummified foetuses in a Holstein Friesian cow: a case report

Mummification of the bovine foetus is rare in cows. There is currently limited data available on the success of pregnancies following expulsion of mummified foetuses, especially after expulsion of twin mummified foetuses. This report describes a case of the expulsion of twin mummified foetuses from the uterus two days apart and the process of oestrous synchronisation for a new pregnancy of a five-year-old Holstein Friesian cow. The patient was referred with a slimy chocolate-coloured vaginal discharge. Bone fragments directly related to the foetus were visualised using transrectal ultrasonography with no foetal fluid in the uterus. An intramuscular single dose of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analogue was given to the cow and antibiotic therapy was started. On the second day of treatment a mummified foetus was seen in the vagina, while another mummified foetus was observed by transrectal ultrasonography in the uterus. Therefore, a PGF2α analogue was re-injected and the second foetus was expelled 58 h later. When the cow showed oestrous behaviour, the vaginal discharge was cloudy and intrauterine treatment was applied. A pregnancy was achieved in the next oestrus. It is suggested that after expulsion of the foetus, the uterus should be lavaged and gynaecological examinations should continue until the patient has normal ovarian and uterine activity.