Hematomas and Contusions of the Birth Canal in Animals

Hematomas and contusions of the birth canal are common complications that may occur during difficult (dystocia) or assisted parturition.

These injuries result from excessive pressure, trauma, or rough handling during delivery, leading to damage of the blood vessels within the vulva, vagina, or perineal region.

Hematomas

• Occasionally in all animals.
• Most common in the mare and sow.
• May be confused with or mistaken for tumors or prolapse of the vagina or bladder.
• On vaginal examination hematomas involving the vaginal wall could be detected.
• Rarely may protrude between the vulvar lips.
• Hematomas of the vulva can clearly observed.
• Usually get absorbed within 1 to 3 weeks, if left undisturbed.
• Some may spontaneously rupture through the mucous membrane.
• Surgically it can be treated by incising, removing the clot and carefully suturing to control further bleeding and to obliterate the area that contained the large blood clot. Do not perform this operation until after 3-4 days postpartum.
• In early cases, ice packs or cold water spray might be indicated.

Contusions

• Results in swelling and edema.
• Occur most frequently due to trauma during fetotomy operations or from external injuries.
• Occasionally a blow or a kick in the region of the clitoris will result in marked edema of the clitoris and vulva.
• In most cases these swellings subside fairly promptly.
• Do not confuse with edema from the udder that may extend upward and involve the vulva.