title: Third-degree perineal lacerations and rectovestibular fistulae in cattle: 20 cases (1981-1988).
abstract: The case records of 20 cows with either a third-degree perineal laceration or rectovestibular fistula were reviewed to ascertain the signalment, history, treatment, and long-term result of treatment. Fifteen cows, including 10 first-calf cows, had third-degree perineal lacerations that occurred at calving. Surgery was done in 14 of 15 cows; 10 of the 14 (71%) remained fertile. The cow that was not treated surgically was culled after 24 months because of infertility. Five cows had a rectovestibular fistula; 4 of these were treated surgically. The cow that did not have surgery healed by second intention and remained fertile, and 3 of the 4 cows in which surgery was performed were fertile. None of the cows that produced calves after the initial injury suffered a perineal laceration at subsequent calvings. Single-stage surgical repair of third-degree perineal laceration or rectovestibular fistula appeared to have a good prognosis for subsequent fertility in cows.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Dreyfuss
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Tulleners
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Donawick
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Ducharme
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies