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Module 18: Ruminant Production > Complicated Calving & Post Partum Conditions of Cows > Flashcards

Complicated Calving & Post Partum Conditions of Cows Flashcards

1
Q

when does a twisted uterus occur

A

1st stage labour (? cervix dilation)

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2
Q

what direction does a twisted uterus normally occur in

A

Normally anti-clockwise (60% pregnant in right horn)

usually involves vagina (occasionally pre cervical = hard to feel)

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3
Q

what is the most common degree of uterine torsion

A

90º > 180º > 280º > 360º

tight band (90º) vs completely closed (360º)

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4
Q

what would you feel with a uterine torsion

A
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5
Q

how do you diagnose a twisted uterus

A

Classic history:

  • Calving long time, not getting on with it
  • Doesn’t feel right
  • Can’t feel calf

Feel vaginal folds twisted (NOT pre-cervical)

Rectal exam for broad ligament (pre-cervical)

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6
Q

how do you correct a twisted uterus

A

if you can feel the calf (90-280)

roll the calf to untwist the uterus –> depends on your stature, not easy if dry/dead calf

  1. hold calf + rock calf back and forward to start momentum then, flip it over in opposite direction of twist
  2. gyn stick
  3. cast and roll cow
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7
Q

how do you correct a twisted uterus if you can’t feel the calf >180

A

cast/roll cow IN DIRECTION of twist (as you stand behind)

Ex. Cast onto left lateral, move cow anticlockwise

Vet holds onto calf (or plank on flank to hold calf in position)

Needs momentum and 3 people!

Sometimes calf upside down after

Kick zone*

Whichever method —> cervix needs time to dilate (membranes intact okay)

If doesn’t work need c-section

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8
Q

what are the risk factors for a twisted uterus

A

Cows compared to heifers (lax ligaments, bigger abdomen)

Big calves

Male calves

Hypocalcium

Excessive fetal movement (slopes)

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9
Q

what is the prognosis with a twisted uterus

A

Calf often dead

C-section complications

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10
Q

what are the causes of cervical stenosis

A

Interfering too quickly?

Historically 2 feet 2 hours but evidence intervening earlier is not always a bad thing

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11
Q

how can you treat cervical stenosis

A

Can attempt to manually dilate (make cone shape with arms)

Nothing pharmaceutical will work

Consider c-section (or risk tear)

Common after twisted uterus

More common in sheep than cattle

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12
Q

what is vulval stenosis

A

more common in heifers

lube and manual stretching for up to 20 mins

or episiotomy

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13
Q

what should you do if there is a dead, emphysematous rotten calf

A

can use considerable traction as long as cow isn’t damaged

lots of lube

make sure you get all bits

fetotomy

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14
Q

if there is a traction applied and no progress what could be happening

A
  1. malpresentation not corrected
  2. calf too big or cow too small
  3. deformed
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15
Q

what is shistosoma refluxus and how would you manage it

A

rare, fatal congenital condition

spinal inversion, abdominal organs exposed, limb alkalosis and limbs adjacent to skull

fetotomy or c section

can be confused as twins

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16
Q

what is ascites of the calf

A

everything feels okay at front apply traction but no progress despite there being plenty room

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17
Q

what is polymelia

A

one or more supernumerary legs

Depends on what/where

C-section

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18
Q

what are the indications for an embryotomy/fetotomy (3)

A
  1. dead calf
  2. unable to calf with manipulation and traction
  3. hip lock/stuch at the hips
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19
Q

how would you perform a hip lock embryotomy/fetotomy

A

First, try rotation or sharp turn of calf to cows flank

Traction — as much of calf out as possible

1st cut — cut soft tissue (knife) behind ribs then embryotomy wire through spine

2nd cut — pass wire dorsally over back, between legs then along venture (long arm or use wire feeder)

Thread wire onto embryotome or pipe

Attach wire to handles

Muscles

Grab 2 hind quarters + remove one at a time

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20
Q

how do you care for cow post embryotomy/fetotomy

A

Down cow management

Continued NSAID

Broad spectrum antibiotics

Fluids (if not drinking)

Often nerve damage

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21
Q

what should you do first when calf is delivered

A

First check umbilicus for hemorrhage

22
Q

how do you resuscitate a calf (4)

A
  1. ensure airway open and clear fluid
  2. sternal recumbency and clear fluid
  3. water in ears, straw up nose (initiate a gasping reflex and help aerate the lungs, hypothermal respiratory stimulation)
  4. rubbing chest, FL and HL meeting (stimulate the phrenic nerve)
  5. acupuncture points on the muzzle

hang over gate only if fluid in lung? (10 sec max)

23
Q

what medication can be used to resuscitate a calf

A

doxapram hydrochloride (dopram)

CNS stimulant used to stimulate respirations in newborns

increase in resp rate and volume occur

24
Q

why do all calves have a degree of resp acidosis

A

respiration delayed = low oxygen = anaerobic metabolism = lactic acid produced (L-lactate) = metabolic acidosis

so if hard calving and breathing delayed = acidosis

25
what are the consequences of acidosis
all of these reduced = disaster ## Footnote Respiratory function Cardiac function Calf vigor Suck reflex IgG absorption
26
what is the normal pH in calves
7.4 acidotic = 7.2
27
what are the signs of calf acidosis
No/reduced respiratory No suck reflex Time sternal recumbency (TSR) \> 3mins (9 mins = risk of death) Time to standing \> 15-30 mins Dull Hyperreflex Scleral/conjunctival hemorrhage
28
how is calf acidosis treated
50-100ml 8.4% bicarbonate solution slow IV (35g bicarb in 400ml saline makes 8.4%) Must be breathing in order to metabolize the bicarb
29
why do calves die at time of calving
look for signs of hemorrhage seen in sclera, trachea, brain
30
what is the thoracic/madigan squeeze
weak or “dummy” calves are indifferent to stimulus, clumsy, lethargic and have weak or no suckle reflex traumatic or Caesarian section birth. They are frustrating to raise, may require multiple tube feedings, and often don’t survive Madigan’s theory is that when animals travel through the birth canal, it causes a surge of hormones that shut down sedative neurosteroids that keep them calm in the womb. Because both cattle and horses are prey species, it is important that they make a quick switch to consciousness so they could theoretically run to safety within a few hours of birth.
31
how is a thoracic/madigan squeeze done
Wrap a long, soft rope in three concentric loops around the calf’s chest. Gently pull the rope to create pressure around the ribs. The calf should lie down and will enter a sleep-like state with eyes closed, slowed breathing and lowered heart rate. Maintain this position for 20 minutes. Remove the rope and assist the calf in standing.
32
what should be done once the calf is born
colostrum treat navel with strong iodine clean environment NSAID (meloxicam, calf and mom?)
33
what are other post calving problems with the calf
Fractures * Legs, ribs, jaw Femoral nerve paralysis Glossal edema * Impairs feeding Umbilical hemorrhage Umbilicus torn off short —\> possibility of hernias? **= Colostrum intake impaired**
34
what are post calving problems with the cow
Vaginal exam Another calf? Bleeding? Bruising? Check udder for mastitis/colostrum
35
what possible medical therapy can be given to the cow post calving
NSAID * Every calving or just big pull? * Avoid flunixin (ex. Finadyne or Cronyxin) —\> can result in retained fetal membrane * Meloxicam or ketoprofen Broad spectrum antibiotics * Indicated if any tears, dead calf, fecal/environmental contamination +++ * Oxytetracycline, amoxycillin Oxytocin (if clenbuterol administration) Calcium (injection/bolus) — especially if dairy cow, down cow etc Oral fluids
36
if there is a vaginal or pudendal artery hemorrhage what should you do
die (0-6 hours) May not be obvious (internal bleeding) Strip away fat around vessel Tricky to tie off so large clamp (leave in situ, tie to tail) or pack vagina (towel or bed sheet) Blood transfusion (IVFT)
37
if there is a uterine artery hemorrhage what should you do
Oozing, non-specific Epidural and pack uterus + Buhner stitch + oxytocin Remove after 24 hours +/- blood transfusion (IVFT
38
what is common post calving complication in the cow
uterine prolapse
39
why do uterine prolapses occur
hypocalcemia (delayed uterine involution) excessive traction/straining
40
when do uterine prolapses occur
mins- hours after calving
41
how do you assess a uterine prolapse
Is there severe hemorrhage? (mms, hr, visual) Is the tissue viable? Is there an obvious tear? Is there GIT?
42
how do you treat a uterine prolapse
Standing in crush or sternal with legs extended (frog) (xylazine) * No other way —\> can’t do it in lateral recumbency Epidural Clean uterus and remove/trim placenta Assess tissue If tears in uterus — everting stitch Assistant (x2) holds uterus UP (one on either side) you push IN One cotyledon at a time —\> start near vulva and be patient LUBE (inject oxytocin into uterus?) Not sugar! Don’t perforate, palm of hand! Make sure whole uterus completely everted Stitch as per prolapsed vagina —\> not what will keep uterus in place, need to have it properly everted Broad spectrum antibiotics 3-5 days, NSAID, Ca, fluids Stitches in 4-5 days? Prognosis (70%) but delays getting back in calf Die from shock/hemorrhage
43
how do you ensure the whole uterus is everted
wine bottle?
44
what nerves can be damaged during calving
obturator peroneal sciatic
45
why does nerve damage occur
result of prolonged calving or too tight
46
what are the signs of obturator nerve paralysis
unable to adduct so cow does the splits
47
what are the signs of peroneal nerve paralysis
unable to extend fetlock so knuckle
48
what are the signs of sciatic nerve paralysis
unable to rise (multiple nerves)
49
how do you diagnose nerve damage in a cow
observations test deep pain and reflexes
50
how do you treat nerve damages in cow
NSAID or steroids hobbles nursing 3 week recovery
51
what are ddx in down cow
52
what are factors that affect dystocia in cattle

Module 18: Ruminant Production (25 decks)

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