Dropsical Conditions of Fetal Membranes and Fetus

Three dropsical conditions of fetal membranes and fetus may be seen in bovine obstetrics. These are edema of placenta, dropsy of fetal membranes and dropsy of fetus.

1. Edema of the placenta
2. Dropsy of the fetal membranes
3. Dropsy of the fetus

1. Edema of the Placenta or Allantois-Chorion

• Oedema of the placenta is characterized by extensive and severe edema of the fetal membranes.
• It accompanies a Placentitis
• Brucella abortus infection causes edema of the allanto-chorion
• It does not cause dystocia but is frequently associated with abortion

2. Dropsy of the Fetal Membranes

Dropsy of the fetal membranes includes hydrallantois and hydramnios. Of all the domestic animals, dropsy of the fetal sacs occurs most frequently in cattle.

Overall incidence is 0.3 percent. Of the two conditions, hydrallantois is encountered most frequently (88%), then hydramnios and both together (5%).

In hydramnios and hydrallantois in uniparous animals, the abdomen is usually distended as if twins or triplets are present.

3. Dropsy of the Fetus

There are several types of fetal dropsy and those of obstetrical importance are fetal:

• Hydrocephalus
• Ascites
• Anasarca