The animal shows no difficulty standing or moving, and there are no signs of lameness. Rectal palpation rules out lesions to the body of the ilium or the acetabulum: in such cases, there would be a drop in the pelvis on the affected side, possible prominence of a dislocated femoral trochanter, and severe lameness; in more severe cases, forced recumbency and inability to rise.
These lesions, like coxofemoral or sacroiliac dislocations, are fairly common in adult cows and result from traumatic events related to mounting during estrus, slipping or falls, and dystocia.
