Approach to calvings

Question 1

History q’s

Answer 1

• Duration of parturition
• Breed of calf
• Previous calving problems or caesarean?
• Down?

Question 2

Kit list

Answer 2

• Lubrication
• Ropes and handles
• Calving aid
• Embryotome/embryotomy kit
• Calf resuscitation kit

Question 3

Initial assessment

Answer 3

• Position, presentation, posture
• Foetal and maternal dimensions
• Is the calf alive? (don’t say!)
• Is sufficient fluid present?
• Does it smell?!
• Torsion?

Question 4

General Delivery Technique

Answer 4

• Attach ropes to limbs above fetlocks
• Use head rope behind ears and in mouth if coming right way
• Use as much lubrication as you can
• Be patient – take slack when the cow strains and just maintain steady tension in between
• Use calving aids with caution
• If making no progress, consider what may be going wrong

Question 5

After delivery

Answer 5

• Check calf and resuscitate if necessary
• Check the cow per vagina
  – Tears
  – Haemorrhage
  – Second calf?

Question 6

Specific problems

Answer 6

• Head back anterior presentation
• Foreleg back anterior presentation
• Breech presentation
• Hip lock
• Uterine torsion
• Foetal malformations

Question 7

Options if vaginal delivery unsuccessful

Answer 7

• Caesarean
  – Care if calf long dead
• Embryotomy
  – Caesar often a better option if calf freshly dead
• Don’t forget the OTMS

Question 8

C-section pre-op drugs

Answer 8

• Clenbuterol (Planipart): 10ml
• Analgesia (e.g. meloxicam – Metacam – 12ml)
• Antibiosis (e.g. pen/strep– Streptopen – 20ml)

Question 9

C-section anaesthesia

Answer 9

• Paravertebral
  – T13, L1, L2, L3, 20ml procaine (Willcain) per site
• Inverted L block

Question 10

C-section steps

Answer 10

• Skin prep
• Enter abdomen – make long enough hole
• Find a leg
• Bring foot to incision if possible
• Incise uterus (make a long enough hole)
• Remove calf & resuscitate
• Remove/trim back placenta
• Close uterus
  – Continuous inverting pattern (e.g. Cushing)
  – Vicryl or catgut – use double layer
• Close abdominal wall
  – Three layer closure
• Give oxytocin