Etiology of torsio uteri in bovines: A review

An overview about various observed phenomena, assumptions, and relations concerning the development of uterine torsion in cattle is presented. Furthermore, contradictory observations and old ideas are relativated and more accurate interpretations are given. It is known that the fetus himself is moving what is considered a reason for a torsion of the uterus. Intrauterine movements of the fetus are physiologic, and therefore other factors for uterine torsions are likely to be involved. A very plausible explanation for the selective occurrence of uterine torsion in cattle seems to be decreased amniotic fluid in relation to the size of fetus and uterus, because other influences can also be observed in all or at least in a high number of other animals. Destabilizing factors concerning the uterus (tonus decreased, uterus outside bursa supraomentalis) increase the possibility of developing a torsio uteri but are not compelling for the torsio uteri.