Garba Bashiru1*, Abubakar Nura2, Bodinga Hassan Abubakar2, Oviawe Ime Ekaete2, Ahmad Umar Salisu2, Garba Usman Rambo3

Abstract | Fetal maceration is the disintegration of a fetus that can occur at any stage of gestation. Maceration is common in almost all the animals; however; it is rare in case of the sheep. Maceration is common cause of mummification and generally occurs in the event of the death of a fetus after the formation of the fetal bones beyond 100 days in small ruminants, such animals failed to abort, although the cervix is almost open. Complications often arise after traditional medical intervention, especially in obstetrical cases. Iatrogenic uterine perforation can present an adverse effect, including abortion or fetal death and mummification. The present case report is a rare case of uterine perforation due to a failed attempt to manage a swelling noticed on the ventral abdomen. Examination of the ewe revealed the presence of opening on the ventral abdomen with purulent discharge and macerated fetus by the presence of dismembered bones within the uterus. After a radiograph revealed the presence of disintegrated fetus, an emergency laparotomy was performed to evacuate the autolysed fetus and the flushing of the uterus. Subsequently, antibiotic treatment to clear the remnant of the pyogenic bacteria.

Keywords | Fetal maceration, Uterine perforation, Radiological investigation, Ewe, Laparotomy