Segmental Aplasia of the Tubular Reproductive Tract in a Shorthorn Heifer

A 1.5-year old Shorthorn heifer was presented for evaluation of a persistent vaginal discharge and failure to conceive. The heifer had been serviced twice by a bull 35 days prior to presentation and developed intermittent vaginitis and vulvar discharge. She was treated with ceftiofur and estrus synchronization was attempted, but the controlled drug release (CIDR) insert could not pass completely into the cranial vagina. During presentation, all physical parameters were within normal limits except for presence of a yellow/white vulvar discharge. Palpation and ultrasonography per rectum revealed presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on the left ovary along with presence of anechogenic fluid within the uterine horns (i.e. mucometra) and fluid with echogenic particles within the uterine body (i.e. pyometra).  [...]