Successful therapeutic intervention in a case of hydroallantois in a non-descript cow

Abstract

Hydroallantois is an uncommon but clinically significant gestational disorder in cattle, characterized by the sudden and excessive accumulation of allantoic fluid during the later stages of pregnancy. The condition poses considerable risk to both the dam and the fetus due to rapid abdominal enlargement, respiratory compromise, and potential circulatory disturbances. In the present report, late-gestation non-descriptive cows were examined after exhibiting progressive abdominal distension, reduced feed intake, and signs of discomfort. Clinical and reproductive evaluations, supported by ultrasonography, confirmed massive accumulation of allantoic fluid indicative of Hydroallantois. Therapeutic management focused on timely induction of parturition using cloprostenol and dexamethasone to promote cervical dilation and fetal expulsion. In one case, controlled allantocentesis was performed, allowing gradual removal of approximately 90 L of allantoic fluid, thereby minimizing the risk of shock and uterine damage. The cow successfully expelled the fetus and fetal membranes within a few hours following induction. Post-procedural supportive care, including antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and multivitamin supplementation, facilitated smooth and uneventful recovery. These cases emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, careful fluid drainage, and prompt therapeutic intervention to prevent life-threatening complications such as prepubic tendon or uterine rupture, thereby improving survival and clinical outcomes in affected bovines.