Dystocia in large animals

Question 1

dystocia - define

Answer 1

abnormal parturition

Question 2

eutocia - define

Answer 2

normal parturition

Question 3

stages around parturition

Answer 3

Pre-parturient stage: prodrome
Parturition
Puerperium
Postpartum period

Question 4

Classification of parturitions

Answer 4

Stage 1 - Positioning of the foetus for birth; Dilation of cervix; Exposure of foetal membranes through the vulva with possible rupture
Stage 2 Expulsion of foetus
Stage 3 Expulsion of placenta

Question 5

Approx duration of each stage

Answer 5

Hours Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Cow 6 0.5-4 6 
Mare 1-4 0.1-0.5 1-2 
Ewe 2-6 1 3 
Doe 2-6 1 3 
Sow 2-12 4 1-4 
Bitch 2-12 6 
Queen 1-12 4

Question 6

dystocia incidence

Answer 6

Mare: 1-2% ponies, 10% draught breeds
Cow: 3-4% dairy cows, higher in beef
Ewe: 2-3%
Doe: 1-2%
Sow: < 1%
Bitch:100% in some brachycephalic/chondroplastic breeds
Queen: <1% in feral animals, high in brachycephalics

Question 7

expulsion problems

Answer 7

uterine inertia - primary, sceondary

straining - defective, insufficient

Question 8

birth canal problems

Answer 8

Failure of cervix, soft tissues or ligaments to relax, uterine torsion
inadequate pelvic diameter

Question 9

foetal size problems

Answer 9

too large

monster

Question 10

disposition

Answer 10

presentation
position
posture

Question 11

Hx

Answer 11

full term / overdue / early? 
primigravida / multigravida? 
problems during pregnancy? 
When did straining begin? 
Water bag? Foetal fluids? Foetus? 
What has been done so far?

Question 12

PE

Answer 12

General - dam’s status, exhausted, milk fever, ill
Adequate restraint of dam
Floor grip for you and the animal

Question 13

equipment

Answer 13

Parturition gown, etc
Halter
Head and leg snares - Rope, Chain, Lambing aid
Lubrication
Soap, disinfectant, cotton wool
Syringes, local anaesthetic, calcium, antibiotics

Question 14

Specific examination - Vulva, vagina, cervix

Answer 14

Dilation
Injury
Lubrication

Question 15

Specific examination - foetus

Answer 15

Presentation, posture and position
Number, structure/ foetal parts
Live or dead?
Size in relation to the dam

Question 16

anaesthesia

Answer 16

None 
Epidural 
Paravertebral 
Inverted L 
Line block 
Sedation 
General Anaest.

Question 17

correction of dystocia

Answer 17

Manipulation 
lubrication 
Reposition 
Traction 
Foetotomy 
Caesarean section

Question 18

traction forced extraction

Answer 18

Reposition calf
Ropes or chains on both legs
Manually dilate vagina and vulva
Space in the pelvis - hand above head, straight legs
Pull downwards
Carpal joint 10cm outside cow with 2 persons pulling: it should fit
Double muscled calf: 1 person pulling
Coordinate pulling with straining of the cow
Once head is born, rotate the calf 90 degrees and change pulling direction dorsally

Question 19

Caudal presentation - differences

Answer 19

Manually dilate the vulva and vagina! 
Check the umbilical cord 
Hock joint 10cm outside cow with 2 persons pulling: it should fit 
Once this far, deliver the calf ASAP 
Pull dorsally

Question 20

Reasons for incorrect disposition

Answer 20

Weak uterine contractions 
Delayed development of foetal reflexes 
Weak foetal movements 
Competition uterine space 
Oversized calf 
Ankylosis of joints

Question 21

after care

Answer 21

mother - trauma , antibiotics, oxytocin, NSAIDs

neonate - dip the navel, colostrum