Dystocia in Large Animals

Question 1

Define dystocia and eutocia…

Answer 1

Dystocia: abnormal parturition
Eutocia: normal parurition

Question 2

What are the stages around parturition?

Answer 2

1. Pre-parturient stage
2. Parturition
3. Puerperium
4. Post-patrum period

Question 3

What are the stage classifications for parturition?

Answer 3

Stage 1:
Positioning of foetus
Dilation of cervis
Expulsion of foetal membranes

Stage 2:
Expulsion of foetus

Stage 3:
Expulsion of placenta

Question 4

How long does stage 1 of parturition last in the:

1. Cow
2. Mare
3. Ewe
4. Doe
5. Sow
6. Bitch
7. Queen

Answer 4

1. 6 hours
2. 1-4 hours
3. 2-6 hours
4. 2-6 hours
5. 2-12 hours
6. 2-12 hours
7. 1-12 hours

Question 5

How long does stage 2 of parturition last in the:

1. Cow
2. Mare
3. Ewe
4. Doe
5. Sow
6. Bitch
7. Queen

Answer 5

1. 0.5-4 hours
2. 0.1-0.5 hours
3. 1 hour
4. 1 hour
5. 4 hours
6. 6 hours
7. 4 hours

Question 6

What may orange foetal fluids indicate?

Answer 6

The young has defecated in the sac and indicates presence of hypoxia

Question 7

What are the major classifications of causes of dystocia?

Answer 7

Maternal
Foetal
Foeto-maternal dispropotion

Question 8

What should you examine a cow with dystocia for?

Answer 8

General:
Dam status
Exhausted
Milk fever
Ill?

Adequate restraint of dam

Floor grip for you and the animal

Question 9

What should yo include on your initial specific examination for a dystocia case?

Answer 9

Hygiene of vet, dam and environment
Lighting
Assistance
Position of dam:
- Sow lying
- Cow, mare and ewe standing
Vulva, vagina and cervix:
- Dilation
- Injury
- Lubrication
Foetus:
- Presentation, posture and position
- Number
- Is it all one foetus
- Live or dead
- Size in relation to sam

Question 10

How can you correct dystocia?

Answer 10

Manipulation
Foetotomy
C section

Question 11

What are the options for anaesthesia in a c section of a large animal?

Answer 11

Epidural
Paravertebral
Inverted L
Line block
Sedation
General

Question 12

What should you do with a calf after the head is born?

Answer 12

Rotate the calf 90 degrees and change the pulling direction dorsally

Question 13

List the 3Ps in foetal disposition…

Answer 13

Presentation
Position
Posture

Question 14

What is important for the aftercare in dystocia cases?

Answer 14

Mother:
Trauma
ABs
Oxytocin (for expulsion of membranes)
NSAIDs

Neonates:
Dip navel
Check colostrum supply