Causes and assessment of dystocia Flashcards
What are the common causes of dystocia in cows?
Feto-maternal disproportion (common with beef sires),
Twin pregnancies
Fetal monsters
Incomplete cervical dilation or uterine inertia due to hypocalcemia
What are common causes of dystocia in mares?
Faulty disposition due to need for fetal rotation during delivery
Feto-maternal disproportion
What are the common causes of dystocia in dogs?
Primary uterine inertia
Faulty disposition
Feto-maternal disproportion (brachycephalic breeds)
What are the common causes of dystocia in cats?
Primary uterine inertia
Faulty disposition
Fetal monsters
Previous pelvic trauma (narrowing birth canal)
What are the common causes of dystocia in sheep?
Feto-maternal disproportion
Faulty disposition
More common in meat breeds than mountain/hardy breeds
> litter size –> higher incidence
What is the primary cause of dystocia in sows?
Uterine inertia
What factors should be assessed when deciding on dystocia management?
Whether fetus is deliverable, fetal viability, dam health, fetal compromise, duration of manipulation & response to medical treatment
What could a dystocia treatment plan include?
Conservative treatment
Manipulative treatment
Drug therapy
- Ecbolic (oxytocin)
- Calcium
- Tocolytic (clenbuterol)
Surgical treatment
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Episiotomy
- Fetotomy
- Caesarean operation
Euthanasia
When is manipulation an appropriate treatment for dystocia?
When fetus (dead or alive) can be returned to normal position & delivered without significant harm to dam
What is the term used to describe correcting fetus presentation, position or posture and what does it comprise?
What is traction used for in managing dystocia?
Provided at time of contractions to aid expulsion
Also helps allow foetal breathing
When is fetotomy preferred over a cesarean in monotocous species?
When fetus is dead, dam is too debilitated for surgery & there is sufficient space for safe cuts
What are the key indications for a cesarean in cows?
Failure of delivery by traction, uterine torsion, incomplete cervical dilation, hydrops, fetal monsters, extensive or traumatic fetotomy, or elective reasons
What are the critical indicators that a calf cannot be delivered vaginally?
In anterior presentation, if both carpuses can’t reach vulva
In posterior presentation, if hocks aren’t at least one hand width outside vulva
Why should cesarean decisions in cows be made early?
Delayed cesareans after failed traction result in reduced calf survival & worse fertility outcomes for dam
What are common indications for cesarean in mares?
Uncorrectable fetal malposition, uterine torsion, severe deformities, vaginal/vestibular obstruction, or significant trauma during attempted delivery
What are the indications for a cesarean in dogs and cats?
Primary uterine inertia, failure to respond to oxytocin, large litter, obstructive dystocia, fetal distress (bradycardia), placental separation (green discharge), elective procedure
What are the main reasons for performing a cesarean in ewes?
Feto-maternal disproportion, failure of cervical dilation (“ringwomb”), irreducible or traumatised vaginal prolapse
When is a cesarean indicated in sows?
Prolonged parturition (>12 hours), irreducible vaginal prolapse, obstructive dystocia that can’t be corrected, or production of pathogen-free piglets
Describe uterine torsion and its treatment in cows (maternal dystocia)
Relatively common in cattle
Occurs at term (1st stage labour)
Cow is restless & has non-progressive labour
Treatments include rolling, rotating calf or c-section
Describe incomplete dilation of cervix and its treatment in cows (maternal dystocia)
Risk increases with parity, hypocalcaemia
See non-progressive labour & feel tight band on vaginal exam
Treatments include calcium, manual dilation or c-section/foetotomy
Describe incomplete dilation of vulva and its treatment in cows (maternal dystocia)
More common in heifers
Treatments include manual stretching, episiotomy or c-section/foetotomy
Describe oversize and its treatment in cows (foetal dystocia)
Unable to engage head & legs in pelvis
See calf front legs crossing
Treatments are c-section or foetotomy
Describe presentation, position & posture and its treatment in cows (foetal dystocia)
Head back/leg back
Caudal presentation/breech
Treatments are retropulsion, extension or rotation/version +/- epidural
Describe foetal abnormalities and its treatment in cows (foetal dystocia)
Schistosoma reflexus
Bulldog calf
Schmallenberg
Treatments depend on abnormality but may include partial foetotomy or c-section
How do you decide if a vaginal delivery should be attempted in a dystocia case in cows?
History
- Labour duration
- Previous calving attempts
- Parity
- Bull history
Exam
- Is cervix open?
- Calf normally presented?
- Any foetomaternal disproportion?
- Calf alive?
Consider facilities & aftercare
What should be done if you decide to attempt a vaginal delivery in a cow dystocia case?
Traction +- epidural/calcium/clenbuterol
NSAIDs
Correct Uterine Torsion
- Attempt to untwist by rotating calf or rolling cow
- If possible, pull calf backwards to aid correction
Deliver the Calf
- If torsion is corrected, proceed with vaginal delivery
- If unsuccessful, perform C-section, ensuring uterus is flipped before incision
Post-Delivery Care
- Isolate cow or keep her in small group for comfort & monitoring
- NSAIDs for pain relief
- Give broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin)
- Oxytocin to aid uterine involution & expel any remaining fluids
