VAGINAL EXAMINATION IN BOVINES

Supplemental information obtained by vaginal examination helps to refine the tentative diagnosis made after rectal examination of postpartum cows. However, it is seldom employed in the cow.

VAGINAL EXAMINATION IN BOVINES

           VAGINAL EXAMINATION IN BOVINES


Manual Examination 

 Manual examination of the vagina and cervix of the early postpartum cow will aid in the diagnosis of the following conditions 

Vaginal/cervical trauma 

 Retention of fetal membranes 

 Patency of the cervical canal 

 The cow’s vulva and perineum should be carefully washed with a mild disinfectant soap, and a lubricated disposable plastic sleeve should be worn by the examiner to perform vaginal examinations.


Vaginoscopic Examination 

After washing the vulva and perineum, the speculum is inserted first in a dorsal-cranial direction until the ischial symphysis has been passed, then in a cranial direction.

Slight resistance will be noticed at the vestibulo-vaginal junction which can be easily overcome by gentle pressure.

 With a torch light, the vaginal vault should be examined for

 the location of the cervix, 

 cervical/vaginal color and secretions, 

 cervical anomalies,  trauma and discharges 


 

Findings Condition
Large quantities of stringy, water-clear mucus Proestrus or estrus phase
Bloody discharge through cervix into a mucus pool in the anterior vagina Metestrus phase
A pale mucosa with scant amounts of sticky mucus Diestrus phase





 Pathological findings

Endometritis -Pus in the external os of the cervix or on the floor of the anterior vagina.

Urovagina. May temporarily result in an irritated, hyperemic vaginal and cervical mucosa-Pool of urine mixed with mucus in the anterior vagina

Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitis-Presence of papules, pustules or ulcers in the vagina and vestibule


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