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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
Q

what are the consequences of acidosis

A

all of these reduced = disaster

Respiratory function

Cardiac function

Calf vigor

Suck reflex

IgG absorption

26
Q

what is the normal pH in calves

A

7.4

acidotic = 7.2

27
Q

what are the signs of calf acidosis

A

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
Q

how is calf acidosis treated

A

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
Q

why do calves die at time of calving

A

look for signs of hemorrhage seen in sclera, trachea, brain

30
Q

what is the thoracic/madigan squeeze

A

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
Q

how is a thoracic/madigan squeeze done

A

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
Q

what should be done once the calf is born

A

colostrum

treat navel with strong iodine

clean environment

NSAID (meloxicam, calf and mom?)

33
Q

what are other post calving problems with the calf

A

Fractures

  • Legs, ribs, jaw

Femoral nerve paralysis

Glossal edema

  • Impairs feeding

Umbilical hemorrhage

Umbilicus torn off short —> possibility of hernias?

= Colostrum intake impaired

34
Q

what are post calving problems with the cow

A

Vaginal exam

Another calf? Bleeding? Bruising?

Check udder for mastitis/colostrum

35
Q

what possible medical therapy can be given to the cow post calving

A

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
Q

if there is a vaginal or pudendal artery hemorrhage what should you do

A

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
Q

if there is a uterine artery hemorrhage what should you do

A

Oozing, non-specific

Epidural and pack uterus + Buhner stitch + oxytocin

Remove after 24 hours

+/- blood transfusion (IVFT

38
Q

what is common post calving complication in the cow

A

uterine prolapse

39
Q

why do uterine prolapses occur

A

hypocalcemia (delayed uterine involution)

excessive traction/straining

40
Q

when do uterine prolapses occur

A

mins- hours after calving

41
Q

how do you assess a uterine prolapse

A

Is there severe hemorrhage? (mms, hr, visual)

Is the tissue viable?

Is there an obvious tear?

Is there GIT?

42
Q

how do you treat a uterine prolapse

A

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
Q

how do you ensure the whole uterus is everted

A

wine bottle?

44
Q

what nerves can be damaged during calving

A

obturator

peroneal

sciatic

45
Q

why does nerve damage occur

A

result of prolonged calving or too tight

46
Q

what are the signs of obturator nerve paralysis

A

unable to adduct so cow does the splits

47
Q

what are the signs of peroneal nerve paralysis

A

unable to extend fetlock so knuckle

48
Q

what are the signs of sciatic nerve paralysis

A

unable to rise (multiple nerves)

49
Q

how do you diagnose nerve damage in a cow

A

observations

test deep pain and reflexes

50
Q

how do you treat nerve damages in cow

A

NSAID or steroids

hobbles

nursing

3 week recovery

51
Q

what are ddx in down cow

A
52
Q

what are factors that affect dystocia in cattle

A

Module 18: Ruminant Production (25 decks)

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