Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Standardized Cervical Thermal Application Protocol for Incomplete Cervical Dilation in Buffaloes

Incomplete cervical dilation (ICD) is a significant maternal cause of dystocia in buffaloes, often resulting in prolonged labor and increased obstetrical intervention despite conventional pharmacological therapy. The present study aimed to develop and clinically evaluate a standardized cervical thermal application protocol as an adjunct to routine cervical relaxation therapy in buffaloes affected with ICD. Twenty full-term buffaloes diagnosed with ICD were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial and allocated to Control (n = 10) and Thermal Intervention (n = 10) groups. Both groups received a standardized cervical relaxation regimen consisting of cloprostenol, dexamethasone, estradiol benzoate, valethamate bromide, and supportive intravenous fluids. The intervention group additionally received a standardized cervical thermal application using 2% carboxymethyl cellulose–soaked gauze maintained at 45–50°C for 20–25 minutes. The primary outcome was time to complete cervical dilation. Mean time to complete dilation was significantly shorter in the Thermal Intervention group (19.2 ± 1.3 h) compared with the Control group (29.4 ± 1.7 h; P < 0.01), representing an approximate 35% reduction. Cervical dilation scores at 2 and 4 hours were significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.05), and fewer cases required assisted delivery without evidence of maternal or neonatal complications. However, the study was limited by a modest sample size and the absence of direct mechanistic evaluation of cervical tissue remodeling. The standardized cervical thermal application protocol demonstrated clinical efficacy as a safe and reproducible adjunct intervention in buffaloes with ICD.