BT: Parturition and Postpartum

Question 1

Preparation for parturition

Answer 1

Relax pelvic ligaments with relaxin and estrogen
Cervical softening with relaxin and PGE
Vulvar edema
Udder edema with prolactin, estrogen and glucocorticoids

Question 2

Stage 1 of Eutocia

Answer 2

2-6 hrs
CS: isolation, discomfort, kicking @ belly, restlessness

Question 3

How does the reproductive system of the cow respond in stage 1

Answer 3

Uterine and abdominal contractions
Cervical dilation
Rupture of the chorioallantoic mem**
Ferguson reflex

Question 4

Stage 3 of Eutocia: Expulsion of the fetal mem.

Answer 4

Uterine contractions
Collagenase/ neutros activity
Placenta delivered within 12 hrs

Question 5

Stage 2 of Eutocia: Fetal expulsion

Answer 5

.5-2 hrs for cows, 2-4 for heifers
Cervix fully dilated
Amniotic sac
Ends with delivery of the calf**

Question 6

If the fetal membrane isn’t expelled from the cow its considered ________________

Answer 6

Retained placenta

Question 7

Induction of parturition

Answer 7

Dexamethasone + PGF2a
25-42 hrs
Eliminates CL and ↑ corticosteroids

Question 8

Calving complications

Answer 8

Straining, PE unremarkable, vulva not dilated, fetal membranes showing @ vulva

Question 9

Uterine Torsion

Answer 9

Per rectum palpation
Broad ligament displacement: clockwise or counterclockwise

Question 10

Most uterine torsions are to the __________

Answer 10

Left (counterclockwise)

Question 11

Contributing factors of uterine torsion

Answer 11

Anatomy of a cow
Hilly terrain
Slipping
Butting in a flank from another cow
Manner in which a cow rises
Energetic movements of the fetus during the first stage of calving

Question 12

Uterine Torsion CS

Answer 12

Failure to progress to the second stage
Raised tailhead
Restlessness
Straining**`

Question 13

Uterine torsion management (Rolling)

Answer 13

Lay the cow on the side of the torsion
Plank on the flank technique- rotate the cow to catch up to the uterus, roll in the same direction as the torsion

Question 14

Postpartum uterine involution and resumption of cyclicity

Answer 14

Uterus retractable by 3 wks
Lochia (discharge) almost nul after 14d
Caruncular repair 3-4 weeks

Question 15

Postpartum cyclicity in dairy cattle

Answer 15

Slow uterine involution
Early resumption of cyclicity (first ovulation 12-18d)

Question 16

Postpartum cyclicity in beef cattle

Answer 16

Fast involution (stimulation by calf)
Longer postpartum anestrus

Question 17

Factors affecting postpartum anestrus

Answer 17

BCS, parity, bull effect, dystocia, and calving season

Question 18

Retained placenta

Answer 18

Primary: failure of attachment from maternal caruncles
Secondary: failure of expulsion

Question 19

What predisposes cows to retained placenta?

Answer 19

Abortion, twins, previous retention

Question 20

T/F: retained placenta should be manually removed

Answer 20

FALSE

Question 21

Treatment for retained placenta

Answer 21

Oxytocin in early postpartum (first 24 hrs)
Abx if needed (septic metritis)
Injection of collagenase into umbilical arteries

Question 22

Septic metritis

Answer 22

2-14 dys postpartum
Drop in milk production, Pyrexia, rumen atony, toxemia, large fluid filled uterus, foul discharge, etc.

Question 23

Predominant flora of septic metritis

Answer 23

Trueperella pyogenes
Fusbacterium necrophorum
Bacteroides pp.
E. coli

Question 24

Treatment of postpartum septic metritis in cows

Answer 24

Broad spectrum antimicrobials
NSAIDs
Fluid an supportive therapy

Question 25

Uterine prolapse

Answer 25

Frist 24 hrs
Clinical management: replacement, hysterectomy, slaughter salvage/ euthanasia

Question 26

Predisposing factors of uterine prolapse

Answer 26

Hypocalcemia
Tenesmus (vaginal injury, prolonged dystocia)
Excessive extraction force
Large fetus
Calving paresis

Question 27

What treatment could you use to reduce uterine edema prior to replacement of the prolapsed uterus?

Answer 27

Massage the uterus using large wet towels