Bovine Dystocia

Question 1

what to assess related to the fetus in cow dystocias (4)

Answer 1

-Presentation, position, posture
-Assess fetal numbers
-Assess fetal viability – reflexes
-Assess fetal size and pelvic space
~~Feto‐pelvic disproportion is most common
~~Pull‐ no pull guidelines; perform Diagnostic Traction

Question 2

what to assess related to the cow in dystocias (3)

Answer 2

History – heifer or cow?
– How long has she been calving?
– Breed of bull? Calving ease? Problems with dystocia in the herd?

-Dairy cow ‐ ? hypocalcemia
-if there is Uterine torsion – vaginal exam

Question 3

good signs for if the calf will fit out (2)

Answer 3

-If the fetal fetlocks / hocks can be extended a hands width past the vulva – likely will come
-Hooves out with straining and go in when straining stops

Question 4

bad signs for if the calf will fit out (4)

Answer 4

-Prolonged labour and head still not in pelvis
-If you bring up the head and limbs and start pulling and the head goes
back, likely not enough room
-Forelimbs crossed
-Volar surfaces of hooves directed medially

Question 5

what do you need to allow time for in assisted vaginal delivery

Answer 5

In AVD, allow time for cervix,
vagina and vulva to stretch

Question 6

how to approach AVD

Answer 6

-Lube, lube and more lube!
-Pull when cow strains, release when she relaxes
-Place a hand behind the head to help guide it, and help with stretching
-Consider episiotomy

Question 7

what is an episiotomy

Answer 7

-a cut made straight dorsally from the dorsal point of the cow’s vulva to facilitate passage of the calf’s head through the vulva to prevent tearing of the perineum.

Question 8

when is oxytocin never indicated

Answer 8

-NEVER indicated during dystocia in mares, cows, ewes, does, alpacas,

Question 9

can you give oxytocin during dystocia in large animal species

Answer 9

-Administration of oxytocin is contraindicated; it will not solve the underlying problem and could result in uterine rupture

Question 10

when CAN you use oxytocin during dystocia

Answer 10

-MAY be indicated in bitch, queen or sow
-Litter bearing species where uterine inertia is often a cause of dystocia
-MUST know that there is NO pelvic obstruction due to fetal malalignment
-C‐Section may be a good option

Question 11

what is dystocia due to in large animal species

Answer 11

-Dystocia in these species is most often due to fetal malalignment or fetopelvic disproportion

Question 12

when do i do a c section in cows

Answer 12

-calf alive and you assess there is not enough space for vaginal delivery
-Obstruction won’t allow vaginal delivery
* Ringwomb in ewes
* Uterine torsion

-Calf dead but you suspect a fetal monster
~~Arthrogryposis of limbs can make fetotomy difficult

Question 13

when do i do a fetotomy in large animals

Answer 13

-Calf dead but there is enough space to work with the fetotome
-With a decomposing fetus may be a
better choice than C‐section due to
chance of abdominal contamination
-A complete fetotomy with multiple cuts is possible in cows (much more
resistant to damage to repro tract)

Question 14

approaches to c section in cows

Answer 14

• Left Flank
  – Left paralumbar fossa
  – Mid to Low flank
  – Ventrolateral oblique
• Paramedian
• Ventral Midline

Question 15

what is a paravertebral block

Answer 15

T13, L1 and L2

Question 16

complications of dystocia in cows (4)

Answer 16

-Trauma to perineum, vagina, cervix
-Retained fetal membranes
-Incisional complications
-Peritonitis (if contaminated C section surgery)