This document discusses fetal mummification and maceration in animals. Fetal mummification is the shriveling of the fetus caused by the absorption of fluids from the fetus and uterus, leading to the death of the fetus. It can be caused by genetic abnormalities, hormonal issues, or problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. Maceration occurs when the fetus dies but is not aborted, causing it to become putrefied inside the uterus. Both conditions require veterinary intervention such as medications to induce abortion or surgical removal of the remains if abortion does not occur naturally.

1. FETAL MUMMIFICATION AND
MACERATION

2. FETAL MUMMIFICATION
• It is shriveling or shrinkage of fetus by absorbing all fluid of
fetus and uterus.
• It causes the death of fetus, autolytic changes in fetus,
absorption of placental and fetal fluids, involution of maternal
caruncles and fetus assumes the shape of mummy.
• Either corpus luteum is maintained or other viable fetus is
found along with mummified fetus. There are two types of
mummification:
• Hematic Mummification

3. CAUSES OF MUMMIFICATION
Some causes are:
• Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
• Inherited endocrine defect
• Tortion of umbilical cord.
• Progesterone deficiency.
• Inflammation of endometrium.
• Due to impartial regression of corpus luteum .

4. SEMIOLOGY OF MUMMIFICATION
• Uterine wall is strongly contracted around the fetus
• The cervical seal is intact
• There are no cotyledons palpable
• No fremitis
• No fluid
• The uterus may be palpable in pelvic cavity
• Animal will not return to estrus

5. TREATMENT
• PGF2a 25mg for 4 days
• Diethyl stilbesterol 100-150 mg for 4 days
• Estradiol 17 β 4-8 mg for 4 days
• Put lot of lubricant or Simple oil with luke warm water can be
used.
• Sometimes we have to apply a degree of traction.

8. MACERATION OF FETUS
• Maceration is defined by fetal death, regression of corpus
luteum but abortion fails to occur. It stays in uterus and starts
getting putrefied.
• The fetus died will be like the threads of tissue.
• If it occurs before bone formation then it is reabsorbed.
• If it occurs after bone formation, the muscles will be destroyed
and bone will remain there. In multiparous animals one fetus
may emaciate and others are normal.. Two factors for
maceration are:
1) fetal death

9. SEMIOLOGY OF MACERATION
• Between 4-7 months of gestation, there is increase in
temperature, increase in pulse rate, anorexia, low milk
production, diarrhea, straining, and swollen fetus on rectal
palpation.in such case give stilbesterole and dilate cervix and
take out fetus.
• In long standing maceration there is no increase in
temperature, pulse or anorexia. Only chronic, reddish grey
watery discharge or mucopurulent discharge passes through
vagina. There is very bad odour and threads of pus on tail.
There is gradual weight loss of animal. If gone unnoticed,

10. TREATMENT
• Better is to slaughter the animal.

13. THANKS