Approach to complicated calving

Question 1

When does a twisted uterus usually occur?

Answer 1

1st stage labour

Question 2

How can a twisted uterus be diagnosed?

Answer 2

calving long time- if calf cant be felt

feel vaginal folds twisted

Question 3

How can a twisted uterus be corrected?

Answer 3

roll the calf to untwist the uterus
use gyn stick
cast the cow and roll her anticlockwise while holding onto calf

Question 4

What are the risk factors of twisted uterus?

Answer 4

male calves
big calves
heifers
excessive foetal movement
hypocalcaemia

Question 5

Describe cervical stenosis (ring worm)

Answer 5

• consider c section
• common after twisted uterus
• more common in sheep
• can attempt to manually dilate

Question 6

What is shistosoma refluxes?

Answer 6

rare, fatal congenital condition
spinal inversion
abdominal organs exposed

Question 7

When would ascites e considered an issue?

Answer 7

when traction has been aplied but there is no progress despite being plenty room

Question 8

What are indications of embryotomy?

Answer 8

dead calf
unable to calf with manipulation and traction
hip lock

Question 9

Describe how hip lock embryotomy can be treated?

Answer 9

first try rotation or sharp turn of calf to cows flank
traction as much of calf out as possible
1st cut- cut soft tissue behind ribs then embryotomy wire through spine

2nd cut- pass wire dorsally over back between legs and then along ventrum.

thread wire onto pipe
attach wire to handles
grab 2 hind quarters and remove one at a time

Question 10

What should be provided post embryotomy?

Answer 10

nursing
down cow management
continued NSAIDs
BS antibiotics
fluids

Question 11

What are signs that are suggestive of a twisted uterus?

Answer 11

tail up for 24hrs nothing improving

no straining

Question 12

What signs are suggestive of a dead calf?

Answer 12

not seen cow>12 hrs

bad smell, cow look sick, calf feels dry

Question 13

What are consequences of calf acidosis?

Answer 13

reduced:
calf vigour
IgG absorption
respiratory and cardiac function
suck reflex

Question 14

What should be checked of the cow post calving?

Answer 14

• vaginal exma
• another calf? tear? bruising?
  check udder for mastitis/colostrum
  broad spectrum abs- if any tears, dead calf (amoxycillin)
  calcium injection if cow is down
  oral fluids

Question 15

Name 2 common post calving cow haemorrhages

Answer 15

Vaginal or pudendal artery (ACUTE)
Uterine haemorrhage (CHRONIC)

Question 16

Describe vaginal or pudendal artery

Answer 16

Die (0-6 hours)
May not be obvious (internal bleeding)
Epidural
Strip away fat around vessel
Tricky to tie off so large clamp (leave in situ, tie to tail) or pack vagina (towel or bed sheet) 
Blood transfusion (IVFT)

Question 17

Describe uterine haemorrhage

Answer 17

Oozing, non-specific
Epidural and pack uterus + Buhner stitch + oxytocin
remove after 24 hours
+/- Blood transfusion (IVFT)

Question 18

Why do uterine prolapses occur?

Answer 18

hypocalcaemia- delayed uterine involution

excessive traction/straining

Question 19

Why do uterine prolapses occur?

Answer 19

hypocalcaemia (delyaed uterine involution)

excessive traction/straining

Question 20

What should you tell a farmer if they suspect a uterine prolapse?

Answer 20

Wrap in sheet/clean plastic and keep cow still if possible

Question 21

What questions should be considered before replacing?

Answer 21

Is there severe haemorrhage?
Is the tissue viable?
Is there an obvious tear?
Is there GIT?

Question 22

What should be done with uterine prolapse?

Answer 22

epidural
clean uterus and remove placenta
assess tissue
if tears= everting stitch
assistant holds uterus you push in
make sure whole uterus completely everted
stitch as per prolapsed vagina
broad spectrum antibiotics given for 3-5 days
stitches in for 4-5 days

Question 23

What are some differentials for the down cow?

Answer 23

• milk fever
• severe acidosis
• severe lameness
• anaemia
• nerve damage
• toxic mastitis
• dislocation or fracture

Question 24

What are factors that affect dystocia in cattle?

Answer 24

• cow BCs
• cow body weight
• calf sex
• twins
• uterine torsion
• gestation length
• age at calving
• nutrition
• breed