Abortion workups are frustrating. By the time we find the calf, we are already behind. The first goal is simple: preserve as much information as possible.
Freeze the calf
It sounds unpleasant, but it gives us options. If it is a one-off, we can decide later that testing is unnecessary. If a second abortion occurs, having two preserved calves instead of one decomposed mystery changes everything.
Save the placenta
Bag it separately and freeze it. The placenta may reveal more than the fetus—especially when investigating infection, inflammation, or placental damage.
Write down the basics
- Cow identification
- Estimated stage of pregnancy and breeding date
- Vaccination history
- Illness before the abortion
- New or mouldy feed and ration changes
- Recently introduced cattle
- Other abortions in the group
If it is late-term
For a fresh, near-term calf, an on-farm gross postmortem may be useful. Your veterinarian may identify an obvious issue or collect stomach contents, lung, liver, placenta, and maternal blood.
Even when samples are not submitted immediately, banking them may preserve the only opportunity to reach an answer if another abortion follows.
Not every abortion is a disaster
Some are truly isolated. But infectious causes such as leptospirosis, BVD, IBR, or neosporosis can make the first abortion an early warning. Preserving evidence keeps the option to investigate.
As promised.
Less Noise. Better Decisions.
— Jon