Oorsig / Review
Abortion and Stillbirth Investigation
Maximizing the use of the Fetus and Placenta
PART
01
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION OF THE FETUS
Dr Rick Last - BVSc ; M . Med . Vet ( Pathology ) Specialist Veterinary Pathologist
Introduction
The value of post mortem examination on abortions / stillbirths is often overlooked and extremely underutilized . It is a very simple and practical procedure which requires the use of simple non-expensive equipment , that is easily transportable , and so the procedure can be performed on farm or in practice . It is important to remember that the developing fetus is a growing animal that is exquisitely susceptible to the effects of nutritional imbalances , environmental influences and infectious etiologies and foetuses visibly show pathologies associated with these conditions . Therefore , one should never turn down the opportunity of performing an abortion or stillbirth investigation . A systematic approach to the post mortem procedure facilitates recognition of the abnormal . By following the same routine with each and every post mortem performed , you will start to appreciate the normal and rapidly recognize the abnormal . Practitioners frequently bemoan the apparent poor diagnostic sensitivity of the abortion investigation process , but remember , negative findings are not a “ waste of time ” they are extremely important and often deflect the investigation in the right direction .
Background Pre-Diagnostics
By providing background data pertaining to animal information , nutrition , vaccination / treatment programs , environmental influences etc the relevance of the findings of the abortion / stillbirth investigation can be more critically evaluated and integrated to provide extremely powerful and scientifically relevant diagnostic information . Develop or use specialized abortion investigation forms where relevant questions are asked and can be answered through simple tick box selections . Such forms are easy and simple to complete and take a minimum of time , yet the information gleaned is invaluable to the investigation .
Below please find the link to example Bovine Abortion / Stillbirth Investigation and Small Ruminant Abortion / Stillbirth Investigation Submission Forms .
Bovine Abortion : https :// bit . ly / 2mYf9ng Small Ruminant Abortion : https :// bit . ly / 2OA8zQP
The Investigation Processes
To obtain the maximum benefit out of your post mortem examination it is extremely important that you follow a very formal structured procedure to ensure that you evaluate all aspects of the investigative process and do not stop if you find what you think is a diagnostic lesion . Many abortion / stillbirth incidents are multifactorial and in addition much information can be gleaned about underlying factors that might not be the direct cause of abortion / stillbirth but have significant impact on herd / flock performance . The investigative process should always include the following 4 components .
• External examination of the foetus .
• External examination of the placenta .
• Morphometric measurements .
• Dissection and sample collection .
External Examination of The Fetus
Take time to stand back and look , palpate and measure . Just because the animal is dead doesn ’ t mean you should forget your clinical skills of observation , palpation and measurement . “ Fools rush in ” – don ’ t rush in and open the carcass – there is just so much to see , feel and measure before
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