Miricle’s owner's noted that she was very uncomfortable and not making any progress with delivery of her baby calf. Dr. Betsy was called promptly to examine her. She determined that Miracle had a very compromising 360 degree rotation to her uterus. This meant that the uterus, heavy with calf, had literally flipped around like a corkscrew so tight that it was impairing the blood supply to the baby and the uterus itself.

Unfortunately, it was certain that the baby calf was dead inside the womb. The first attempt to deliver the calf involved rolling the mother over on her back in an attempt to "untwist" the uterus thus allowing the calf a straight pathway to be born. Rolling was successful in correcting the twist in the uterus, but it was immediately obvious that Miracle's cervix was not dilated nearly enough to allow a baby to pass through.

Dr. Betsy decided to give Miracle some medication to try and make her cervix open up and allow her some time overnight to attempt to deliver the baby. By the following day, Miracle still had made no progress with delivery.

C-section was the only alternative to try and save Miracle's life. The fact that her baby was dead, and her organs inside were very unhealthy from the poor circulation of blood during the time she was twisted made the chances of her survival very poor. The VanderGalien family decided they wanted to try and save Miracle's life despite the odds against her survival. C-section surgery was performed on the farm by Dr. Betsy and colleague Dr. Gene Badtram. The team of doctors worked several hours performing surgery (which is done while the cow is standing) and flushing her abdomen.

It was determined during surgery that Miracle's uterine tissues were very compromised and had extremely poor bloodflow. Gallons of abnormal bloody fluids were present in her abdominal cavity. She withstood the procedure despite her weak condition, but hopes of her recovery were still very remote. Aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics and fluids were given immediately post surgery.

It was now up to Miracle herself to have the fight to survive. The VanderGalien's managed her after surgery very attentively and gave her the best opportunity to mount a recovery. Within 24-hours Miracle was beginning to show interest in food, although her debilitated condition still clearly showed. Day after day she made continuous improvement much to the amazement of everyone! Today she is proud to be part of the milking herd at the VanderGalien's as she is pictured here leaving the milking parlor as a content looking cow!

Miracle is a lucky cow --to say the least!--to have the VanderGalien's as her owners. They believed in her innate will to survive, which carried her through--against all odds! The Randolph Veterinary Clinic would like to wish everyone a new year full of wonderful "miracles"! Happy New Year from Dr. Betsy and her staff.