Problem with PRemature Birth

[HappyCows]

Today we had a black angus 7 year old cow have a calf about 5 weeks early. We noticed the cow's belly was looking extremely large the last few day. The calf appears to be developed but is very small with little body fat. The problem is this- when we checked inside the cow to see if there was another calf inside (thought maybe twins) and pulled arm out, what appears to be urine poured out of her - more that you can imagine. We've never seen so much liquid come out of a cow at one time and for so long.


We are wondering what the problem is? We are currently waiting for the vet to call back,so if anyone has any ideas we'd appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[dun]

Maybe, and this is just a guess, her water broke internally or maybe she had her bladder opening pinched and she just couldn't urinate.

dun

 

[docgraybull]

I'm betting that she just hadn't released all of the amniotic fluid with the birth of the calf. If it smelled foul or had pus in it, that could indicate endometritis or amnionitis (which could have precipitated the premature birth), and she should be treated with antibiotics and probably have her uterus lavaged. If it was clean, without any odor, then most likely retained amniotic fluid or dammed up urine (as Dun mentioned).