Abortion and stillbirth in cattle

Question 1

Define Abortion

Answer 1

Calving which takes place less than 271 days after service or insemination or less than 265 days after implantation of an embryo whether the calf is born dead or alive’

Question 2

Define stillbirth

Answer 2

Birth of a dead calf after 272 days of gestation OR foetal death up to 24 hours from birth

Question 3

What is the most common cause of bovine abortion

Answer 3

Infectious cause-Coxiella

Question 4

List some information gathered from history taking that is important in diagnosing abortion causes

Answer 4

Farm-Herd size, Replacement policy, Prev diagnoses
Dam-Country of origin, Vaccination, Clinical sign
Foetus- Assisted, external lesion, breed

Question 5

What should be submitted to the lab (most impt)

Answer 5

Placenta
Foetal fluid

Question 6

What is bradytocia

Answer 6

Extension of second stage of giving birth

Question 7

What is visual evidence of bradytocia

Answer 7

Swollen tongue/feet
Oedema in subcutaenous tissue around head
Haemorrhages on parietal pleura etc

Question 8

What is traumatocia

Answer 8

Traumatic birth
E.g. Fractures

Question 9

Evidence of congenital abnormality

Answer 9

Cleft palate
Absence of bowel segments/No anus

Question 10

What is crown-rump length

Answer 10

Measurement of length of foetus

Question 11

Is placenta with cotyledons more useful for sampling

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Foetus becomes immunocompetent by day ____?

Answer 12

120-130

Question 13

When is foetal serology useful

Answer 13

foetus must survive long enough for antibody response to be generated.