ByTahseen Alam

06-arid-260

FETAL MUMMIFICATIONIntroductionDefinitionEtiologyIncidenceProcess of mummificationDiagnosisTreatment

INTRODUCTIONAn uncommon condition, incidence of <2% .Reported in several species, including the sheep,

goat, horse, pig, dog and cat, but more common in cattle.

In cattle, fetal mummification occurs after formation of the placenta and fetal ossification (70 d gestation)

Death of fetus in uterus does not resulting in abortion.

Failure to calve within expected date of calving.If condition is undiagnosed, the mummy remains in

uterus for months.

DEFINITIONIntrauterine death of the fetus, and failure to

abort, resulting in resorption of fetal fluids, dehydration of fetal tissue and associated membranes and a persistence of CL.

INFECTIOUS CAUSES

MECHANICAL CAUSES

IncidenceIncidence are 0.43-1.8 percent of pregnancies.Occurs between the 3rd and 8th months of

gestation, without luteolysis and opening of the cervix.

Breed and previous occurrence seem to be risk factors.

Higher incidence of fetal mummification in Jersey cattle.

Higher risk (30%) of recurrence in cows that experienced a similar event in a previous gestation. 

WHY CATTLE?????

Mummification by persistent CL.Maintenance of pregnancy in cattle is

due to progesterone produced by CL.In other species it is produced by fetal

placenta after mid gestation.

Mummification Process

Fetal Mummification

MummificationHematic Type: Papyraceous typeMaternal placenta or

caruncles involutes.Hemorrhage between

endometrium and fetal membranes,

Plasma absorbed thereafter leaving RBCs.

A gummy, tenacious mass of RBCs, clots and mucus impart a reddish–brown color to fetus and membranes.

It is not characterized by placental hemorrhages.

Fetus is usually of brownish color.

Fetal membranes are not covered by reddish-brown tenacious material.

DIAGNOSIS

Cont…

Treatment

Hormonal TreatmentLysis of the CL by single injection of PGF2α 25mg,

orLutalyse (analogue) 0.5-1 mg I/M. Satisfactory expulsion of the fetus within 3-5d.Stilbesterol 50-80mg, or 5-8mg of estradiol i/m.

A uterine lavage with saline after removal of fetus.

SURGICAL TREATMENTSurgical removal of mummified fetuses via laparotomy

remains an option when medical treatment fails. A flank laparotomy in a standing cow was performed by

opening the abdominal wall on the ipsilateral side to the pregnant horn.

This incision site allowed the closest approach to the pregnant horn.

Incision on the large curvature of the uterine horn and extraction of the mummified fetus.

Flushing of uterus with saline.Uterus was closed in 2 layers, using a Cushing pattern.Injection of oxytocin 100 IU, I/m.Procaine penicillin 22 000 IU/kg BW, IM for 5 d.

BVD Infection of the fetus before 125 days of gestation can cause fetal death and abortion, resorption, mummification, developmental abnormalities,

Leptospires cause a diffuse placentitis with avascular, light tan cotyledons and edematous, yellowish intercotyledonary areas.

Fungal placentitis due to Aspergillus sp.  Placentitis is severe and necrotizing. Cotyledons are enlarged and necrotic with turned-in margins.