Still Learning, I feel for you early on in your cattle career when it turns out like this.
I am assuming this was an ex show hfr, and was pampered pretty well from early on. That makes it even harder than it should be.
My question here is this -- WHY?? on earth did the vet that came decide to try and pull your calf when you had already done so?? That is a red flag for me -- was he/she an experienced vet???
Also -- I am really concerned as to why she had to be put down from just having a hole in her uterus?? That would be -- in ecense -- the same basis dilemma you would have had if he had elected to C-section her for the dead calf. It can be repaired -- and believe me that uterus is the most amazing organ in ANY body. I have seen some horrendously bad deals over the years, things being torn to pieces and etc, only to go in and sew em up -- and have calf again the next trip.
One cow I remember being called to assist on was already torn clear thru the cervix, up into the sphincter muscle and was completely open clear to the cervix. I was shocked to see it. I spent about 2 hours and 300 stiches to get her even close to resembling a cow -- you know what??? Later that year that same duffus hfr was presented here asa donor cow!
Not only was I able to flush the dumb thing, but she made 16 good embryos the first trip and another 13 the next time.
It is easy for me to sit here and visualize what may have happened, but I would be very upset if some one told me to put my hfr down just becasue of a hole in her tract. It can be managed and repaired - and any infection worked with. I am very sorry your hfr was lost, as you can tell I am extremely compassionate about these things!
Wee, I will quit making you feel bad - - my intent here was to point out that there are many options -- and in my opinion unless she was completely destroyed in there -- there may have been a hasty decision made that may not have had to be made by your vet.
Good luck from here on -- it will get better!
Terry
