Management of Dystocia Due to Uterine Torsion in a Murah Buffalo Using Schafer’s Technique

Abstract

Uterine torsion is considered an obstetrical emergency and should be corrected as soon as it is diagnosed. It occurs frequently
in buffaloes as compared to other species of animals, mainly due to their peculiar anatomy and physiology. This case report
describes the occurrence of uterine torsion in a pregnant pluriparous buffalo. The buffalo was presented with history of persistent
straining for over 6 hours. The cervix was fully dilated and obstetrical examination revealed dystocia due to a left sided uterine
torsion. Hematological results revealed a normal PCV but with an accompanying macrocytosis. There was also neutrophilia,
eosinophilia as well as lymphopenia as well as hypocalcium and hypomagnesemia. The dystocia was corrected using the
Schafer’s technique. This involved the placing of the free end of a wooden plank on the left flank while the other free end,
having an assistant standing on it rested on the ground. Rolling the buffalo twice with this arrangement corrected the anomaly.

Keywords: Buffalo; Dystocia; Obstetrical Emergency; Reproduction; Schafer’s Technique; Uterine Torsion