Histopathological observations in cervix of dystocia affected vis-Ã -vis normally calved buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was to assess the histopathological alterations of cervix in relation to dilatation in normally calved, dystocia and uterine torsion affected PGF2α induced buffaloes. Biopsy specimens from the caudal part of the cervix were obtained from 27 pluriparous buffaloes at exactly the day of calving, immediately after calving, 24 h after calving, immediately after uterine detorsion and 24 h after uterine detorsion and medical treatment. The animals were divided into 6 groups based on the type of calving; group 1: normally calved buffaloes (n = 3); group 2: dystocia with fully dilated cervix (n = 5); group 3: dystocia but cervix failed to dilate (n = 4); group 4: torsion of uterus with fully dilated cervix (n = 5); group 5: torsion of uterus with incomplete dilatation of cervix (n = 6); and group 6: contracted cervix (n = 4). Compared to group 1, the cervical histopathology of dystocia and uterine torsion affected buffaloes revealed severe damage to epithelium with edema and hemorrhage in connective tissue. The smooth muscle cells showed coagulative necrosis, vacuolar degeneration and appeared hypertrophied. The elastic and collagen fibres were much denser. Very few polymorphonuclear cells could be traced. The inflammatory changes were chronic in groups 3, 5 and 6 leading to inability of cervix to dilate completely. Administration of PGF2α did not induce further cervical dilatation. In conclusion, severe cervical damage in the cases of dystocia and uterine torsion indicated progression towards severe inflammation and possibly failure of cervix to dilate on its own followed by per-vaginal delivery of fetus.