70. Small ruminant medicine: incomplete cervical dilation, uterine torsion, uterine inertia

Question 1

Incomplete cervical dilation definition?

Answer 1

Definition:

• Incompletely dilated cervix more than 3 hours after first appearance of the foetal membranes

(allanto-chorion) at the vulva

Question 2

Incomplete cervical dilation cause and diagnosis?

Answer 2

Cause:

• Previous cervical trauma

Diagnosis:

• Digital palpation: cervical canal 2-5 cm (2-3 fingers), cervical wall

Question 3

Incomplete cervical dilation treatment and management/prevention?

Answer 3

Treatment

• Digital pressure applied for 5–10 minutes →
• Various smooth muscle relaxants

Management/prevention

• Too early/frequent human interference
• To leave sheep undisturbed for 3 hours after the appearance of a mucus or allanto-chorion at the

vulva

Question 4

Uterine torsion incidence?

Answer 4

Uterine torsion

Incidence

• Cow: uncommon
• Ewe: very uncommon (4 cases/36 years)

Question 5

Uterine torsion diagnosis?

Answer 5

Diagnosis

• Vaginal: external (more uncommon) or internal
• During CS!

Question 6

Uterine inertia incidence?

Answer 6

Uterine inertia

Incidence

• cattle: common
• sheep: primary uterine inertia is very uncommon
• hypocalcaemia is very uncommon around the time of parturition in sheep