Calving and dystocia

Question 1

What are the normal 3 stages of labour?

Answer 1

Stage 1 - dilation of cervix and contractions (3-6 hours)
Stage 2 - water bag and delivery of foetus
Stage 3 - expulsion of placenta/foetal membranes

Question 2

Give examples of when you may intervene with calving

Answer 2

No progress within 1 hour of waterbag
No progression to stage 2 labour after 6 + hours of stage 1 (obstruction?)
Extreme discomfort
Significant bleeding
Malposition

Question 3

What may happen if you intervene too early with stage 1 labour?

Answer 3

Prevents full dilation of cervix

Question 4

What drug can be used as a smooth muscle relaxant for calving and how does it increase calf survival?

Answer 4

Clenbuterol

Increases uterine perfusion - calf can survive for longer

Question 5

Where should calving ropes be placed?

Answer 5

One above joint, one below joint

Question 6

A cow presents with a calf in dorsal anterior longitudinal position, with the calves’ forelimbs crossed over. What should you do?

Answer 6

Caesarean - insufficient room to calve

Question 7

What should you do if a cow is calving with the calf in posterior positioning?

Answer 7

Try exteriorise HLs

If 2 people can’t do this - Caesarean

Question 8

What ratio is used to calculate foetal-maternal oversize?

Answer 8

Hindson ratio

Question 9

Give 2 examples of congenital abnormalities that may lead to dystocia

Answer 9

Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Foetal monster/Schistosome

Question 10

Give examples of when you may elect to perform a caesarean

Answer 10

Foetal oversize or disproportion
Unreducible torsion
Insufficient dilation of cervix
Abnormal calf where embryotomy not feasible
Constricted vagina/vestibulum

Question 11

What position can a cow be in to perform a caesarean?

Answer 11

Standing

R lateral recumbency

Question 12

Name some complications of caesareans in cows

Answer 12

Haemorrhage
Peritonitis
Adhesions
RFM
Metritis
Wound infection/breakdown
Poor fertility (uncommon)

Question 13

Embryotomy or foetotomy requires enugh space for the embryotome and the arms. How is the cow anaesthetised?

Answer 13

Caesarean

+ clenbuterol

Question 14

Name some complications of embryotomy/foetotomy

Answer 14

Uterine, cervical or vaginal tears
RFM
Metritis
Adhesions

Question 15

Episiotomies are often required in Heifers. Before performing an episiotomy, how long should you manually stretch for?

Answer 15

20 minutes

Question 16

Do episiotomies and caesareans require prophylactic antibiotics?

Answer 16

Yes for both- perineum high risk area of contamination

Urogenital surgery is clean-contaminated

Question 17

Where abouts should you make an incision for an episiotomy?

Answer 17

10-11 o’clock or 1-2 o’clock

Cutting at 12 causes rectovaginal fistula

Question 18

Give examples of complications of episiotomies

Answer 18

Wound infection/breakdown
Distorted vulva conformation - pneumo or urovagina, poor conception
Weak point to muscles may affect future calving
Rectovaginal fistula if incision at incorrect positioning

Question 19

What is primary vs secondary inertia?

Answer 19

Primary - failure to start stage 2 labour (no waterbag)

Secondary - failure to progress and complete stage 2 labour

Question 20

What usually causes primary and secondary inertia?

Answer 20

Primary - hypocalcaemia

Secondary - lack of oxytocin, glucose, calcium or exhaustion

Question 21

Why is uterine prolapse a true emergency?

Answer 21

Associated with hypocalcaemia and bloat

and adds 50 days on from calving to next conception

Question 22

How is a uterine prolapse replaced?

Answer 22

Under epidural +/- clenbuterol
Fill uterus with water to ensure horns everted
+/- Buhner suture
Give oxytocin, NSAIDs, antibiotics and calcium after

Question 23

Uterine torsions typically occur at the onset of parturition. Name 3 risk factors for uterine torsion

Answer 23

Poor rumen fill - causes space in abdomen
Hilly land
Standing up and laying down

Question 24

How can a uterine torsion be corrected?

Answer 24

Cast and roll cow
Twist calf legs
Or caesarean

Question 25

Why may a high degree of a uterine torsion be a problem?

Answer 25

Occluded blood supply

Can cause dead, emphysematous calf and toxic cow if not noticed early