Dystocia in Cow due to Anasarca Syndrome along with Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Renal Hypertrophy in Aborted Calf: A Case Report

Background: A case of dystocia due to fetal anasarca (hydrops foetalis) in a cow and the fetus was in posterior presentation and relieved by cesarean section by forced traction and giving incision on the fetal body. On clinical examination of the fetus, it was found to be fetal anasarca (hydrops fetus). For future investigation of the fetus post mortem examination was conducted, which revealed the typical finding of pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertrophy of kidneys with anasarca diagnosed as a developmental anomaly; pulmonary hypoplasia and anasarca syndrome. Methods: Post mortem of the aborted fetus was performed on 20/12/2024, 11:AM and tissues from viscera (lungs, liver, spleen, kidney) were collected in 10% NBF for histopathological examination. Routine H and E staining was performed and microscopical lesions were examined. Result: Macroscopic findings were significant such as pulmonary hypoplasia, hydrothorax. anasarca and marked enlargement of both kidneys to about 18 cm in length. putrefactive and autolytic changes were observed in visceral organs like heart, liver, spleen, intenstine and ballooning appearance of kidneys. Microscopic examination of liver revealed focal area of necrosis infiltrated with numerous polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMNL’s) in liver tissue and also dilated sinusoids infiltrated with neutrophils and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes. Microscopic section of lungs revealed bronchointersititial pneumonia and intralveolar oedema. Microscopic section of kidney tissues revealed autolytic changes. The cow recovered uneventfully after twelve days of post-operative management.