Management of birth canal injuries in dairy cows

Injuries of the birth canal in cows (perineal lacerations, fistula…) cause significant economic loss in dairy herds. These injuries usually are associated with obstetric trauma during labor. Third degree perineal lacerations and fistula formation usually happen because of dystocia, improper repairs, abscesses and forced extractions and lead to fecal contamination of the birth canal and reduced fertility. The main reason for the birth canal and external part of the reproductive tract surgery is to restore fertility of the animal and repair the injuries associated with dystocia. In this review the causes, management, and treatment of these disorders by emphasizing on the importance of birth canal injuries in cows were discussed.