BT: Parturition and Postpartum Flashcards
Preparation for parturition
Relax pelvic ligaments with relaxin and estrogen
Cervical softening with relaxin and PGE
Vulvar edema
Udder edema with prolactin, estrogen and glucocorticoids
Stage 1 of Eutocia
2-6 hrs
CS: isolation, discomfort, kicking @ belly, restlessness
How does the reproductive system of the cow respond in stage 1
Uterine and abdominal contractions
Cervical dilation
Rupture of the chorioallantoic mem**
Ferguson reflex
Stage 3 of Eutocia: Expulsion of the fetal mem.
Uterine contractions
Collagenase/ neutros activity
Placenta delivered within 12 hrs
Stage 2 of Eutocia: Fetal expulsion
.5-2 hrs for cows, 2-4 for heifers
Cervix fully dilated
Amniotic sac
Ends with delivery of the calf**
If the fetal membrane isn’t expelled from the cow its considered ________________
Retained placenta
Induction of parturition
Dexamethasone + PGF2a
25-42 hrs
Eliminates CL and ↑ corticosteroids
Calving complications
Straining, PE unremarkable, vulva not dilated, fetal membranes showing @ vulva
Uterine Torsion
Per rectum palpation
Broad ligament displacement: clockwise or counterclockwise
Most uterine torsions are to the __________
Left (counterclockwise)
Contributing factors of uterine torsion
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
Uterine Torsion CS
Failure to progress to the second stage
Raised tailhead
Restlessness
Straining**`
Uterine torsion management (Rolling)
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
Postpartum uterine involution and resumption of cyclicity
Uterus retractable by 3 wks
Lochia (discharge) almost nul after 14d
Caruncular repair 3-4 weeks
Postpartum cyclicity in dairy cattle
Slow uterine involution
Early resumption of cyclicity (first ovulation 12-18d)
Postpartum cyclicity in beef cattle
Fast involution (stimulation by calf)
Longer postpartum anestrus
Factors affecting postpartum anestrus
BCS, parity, bull effect, dystocia, and calving season
Retained placenta
Primary: failure of attachment from maternal caruncles
Secondary: failure of expulsion
What predisposes cows to retained placenta?
Abortion, twins, previous retention
T/F: retained placenta should be manually removed
FALSE
Treatment for retained placenta
Oxytocin in early postpartum (first 24 hrs)
Abx if needed (septic metritis)
Injection of collagenase into umbilical arteries
Septic metritis
2-14 dys postpartum
Drop in milk production, Pyrexia, rumen atony, toxemia, large fluid filled uterus, foul discharge, etc.
Predominant flora of septic metritis
Trueperella pyogenes
Fusbacterium necrophorum
Bacteroides pp.
E. coli
Treatment of postpartum septic metritis in cows
Broad spectrum antimicrobials
NSAIDs
Fluid an supportive therapy
Uterine prolapse
Frist 24 hrs
Clinical management: replacement, hysterectomy, slaughter salvage/ euthanasia
Predisposing factors of uterine prolapse
Hypocalcemia
Tenesmus (vaginal injury, prolonged dystocia)
Excessive extraction force
Large fetus
Calving paresis
What treatment could you use to reduce uterine edema prior to replacement of the prolapsed uterus?
Massage the uterus using large wet towels
