Clinical management of pregnancy-related problems between days 28 and 60 in the dairy cow

• Published in: Theriogenology Vol. 206; pp. 140 - 148
• Main Authors: López-Gatius, F., Szenci, O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.08.2023
• Subjects: Gynecological exams; Monozygous twins; Ovarian structures; Twin reduction; Ultrasonography; Uterine contents; Gynecological exams; Uterine contents; Twin reduction; Ovarian structures; Monozygous twins; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.024

The biological and economic impacts of pregnancy loss in dairy herds are well recognized. This review examines clinical aspects of late embryonic/early fetal loss of non-infectious cause in the dairy cow. The period of interest spans from shortly after observation of at least one embryo with a heartbeat upon pregnancy diagnosis, at around Day 28 of pregnancy (late embryonic period), until approximately Day 60 of pregnancy (early fetal period). This last time point is when pregnancy is firmly established and beyond which the risk of pregnancy loss is greatly reduced. We particularly focus on the role of the clinician in managing a pregnancy and discuss findings to predict the viability of a pregnancy, available therapies for expected pregnancy problems and possible implications of the newer technologies. •Clinical ultrasound management of pregnancy in dairy cattle.•Evaluation of ovarian structures opposed to uterine contents.•The clinician as a possible risk factor for pregnancy loss.•The matter of twin pregnancies.•Predicting the viability of a pregnancy.