Calving and dystocia Flashcards
What are the normal 3 stages of labour?
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
Give examples of when you may intervene with calving
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
What may happen if you intervene too early with stage 1 labour?
Prevents full dilation of cervix
What drug can be used as a smooth muscle relaxant for calving and how does it increase calf survival?
Clenbuterol
Increases uterine perfusion - calf can survive for longer
Where should calving ropes be placed?
One above joint, one below joint
A cow presents with a calf in dorsal anterior longitudinal position, with the calves’ forelimbs crossed over. What should you do?
Caesarean - insufficient room to calve
What should you do if a cow is calving with the calf in posterior positioning?
Try exteriorise HLs
If 2 people can’t do this - Caesarean
What ratio is used to calculate foetal-maternal oversize?
Hindson ratio
Give 2 examples of congenital abnormalities that may lead to dystocia
Spina bifida
Hydrocephalus
Foetal monster/Schistosome
Give examples of when you may elect to perform a caesarean
Foetal oversize or disproportion Unreducible torsion Insufficient dilation of cervix Abnormal calf where embryotomy not feasible Constricted vagina/vestibulum
What position can a cow be in to perform a caesarean?
Standing
R lateral recumbency
Name some complications of caesareans in cows
Haemorrhage Peritonitis Adhesions RFM Metritis Wound infection/breakdown Poor fertility (uncommon)
Embryotomy or foetotomy requires enugh space for the embryotome and the arms. How is the cow anaesthetised?
Caesarean
+ clenbuterol
Name some complications of embryotomy/foetotomy
Uterine, cervical or vaginal tears
RFM
Metritis
Adhesions
Episiotomies are often required in Heifers. Before performing an episiotomy, how long should you manually stretch for?
20 minutes
Do episiotomies and caesareans require prophylactic antibiotics?
Yes for both- perineum high risk area of contamination
Urogenital surgery is clean-contaminated
Where abouts should you make an incision for an episiotomy?
10-11 o’clock or 1-2 o’clock
Cutting at 12 causes rectovaginal fistula
Give examples of complications of episiotomies
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
What is primary vs secondary inertia?
Primary - failure to start stage 2 labour (no waterbag)
Secondary - failure to progress and complete stage 2 labour
What usually causes primary and secondary inertia?
Primary - hypocalcaemia
Secondary - lack of oxytocin, glucose, calcium or exhaustion
Why is uterine prolapse a true emergency?
Associated with hypocalcaemia and bloat
and adds 50 days on from calving to next conception
How is a uterine prolapse replaced?
Under epidural +/- clenbuterol
Fill uterus with water to ensure horns everted
+/- Buhner suture
Give oxytocin, NSAIDs, antibiotics and calcium after
Uterine torsions typically occur at the onset of parturition. Name 3 risk factors for uterine torsion
Poor rumen fill - causes space in abdomen
Hilly land
Standing up and laying down
How can a uterine torsion be corrected?
Cast and roll cow
Twist calf legs
Or caesarean
