Eutocia, Dystocia, Dystocia Management

Question 1

When examining the fetus in a dystocia case, you note meconium-stained amniotic fluid. What does this indicate for the calf?

Answer 1

stressed calf

Question 2

Identify this piece of equipment:

Answer 2

head snare

Question 3

Identify this piece of equipment:

Answer 3

eye hooks

Yeah. You put these into the eyes of the calf to pull on it (no chains). Will break the frontal bones. These are used to steer, not for traction.

Question 4

Does this image show proper chain placement?

Answer 4

Yes

You want to make sure you place a loop above and a halfhitch below the fetlock joint. The connecting chain should be on the top of the leg

Question 5

The left limb of this calf is retained at the:

Answer 5

carpus

Question 6

Turning the fetus on its transverse axis into a cranial or caudal presentation is termed:

Answer 6

version

this is a rare presentation in cattle; have to turn using its limbs

Question 7

What is the posture of this calf?

• Anterior, longitudinal
• Dorsosacral
• Front limbs extended, head retained

Answer 7

front limbs extended, head retained

Question 8

It is expected to see udder edema and milk production __________ prior to parturition

Answer 8

~1-2 weeks

Question 9

The process by which the fetus is restored to a deliverable fashion is called:

Answer 9

mutation

Question 10

Wedging of the fetus into the cervical canal stimulates oxytocin release, which stimulates more uterine contractions, more oxytocin release, etc.

This process describes __________ reflex

Answer 10

Ferguson’s reflex

Question 11

Are these chains placed correctly?

Answer 11

No.

You want to make sure you place a loop above and a halfhitch below the fetlock joint. The connecting chain should be on the top of the leg​. (See image below)

Question 12

Abnormal or abnormally difficult birth is termed:

Answer 12

dystocia

Question 13

Describe the position of this calf:

Answer 13

dorsosacral

Remember, position refers to the anatomic relationship of the dorsum of fetus relative to maternal pelvis

Question 14

Describe the presentation of this calf:

Answer 14

anterior

Remember, presentation refers to the relationship of the spinal axis of the fetus to that of the dam (the portion of the fetus that is entering the birth canal - coming out at you)

Question 15

Identify this piece of equipment:

Answer 15

OB handles

Question 16

Describe the presentation of this calf:

Answer 16

posterior

Question 17

Stage 2 of parturition begins with rupture of ____________

Answer 17

chorioallantoic membrane

“breaking water”

Question 18

What hormone is responsible for relaxation of pelvic ligaments?

Answer 18

relaxin

Question 19

Expulsion of the fetal membranes occurs in Stage ___ of parturition

Answer 19

Stage 3

Question 20

What are the three stages of eutocia?

Answer 20

• Stage 1: Initiation of myometrial contractions
• Stage 2: Expulsion of the fetus
• Stage 3: Expulsion of the fetal membranes

Question 21

Pushing the fetus out of the maternal pelvis into the uterine cavity to enable correction of an abnormality is termed:

Answer 21

repulsion

Question 22

Turning the fetus on its longitudinal axis is termed:

Answer 22

rotation

Question 23

When using chains, it’s important not to apply traction on both forelimbs at the same time. This can result in:

Answer 23

shoulder lock

• The shoulders may become locked in the pelvic canal and that would suck*
• (This can happen with the hind limbs as well - “hip lock”)*

Question 24

Among common domestic breeds, _________ probably risk the highest incidence of dystocia

Answer 24

cattle

Question 25

What is the most common fetal cause of dystocia?

Answer 25

abnormal presentation, position, or posture

Question 26

The left limb of this calf is retained at the:

Answer 26

shoulder

Question 27

Delivery of the fetus occurs in Stage ___ of eutocia

Answer 27

Stage 2

Question 28

Ferguson’s reflex is when wedging of the fetus into the cervical canal stimulates __________ release

Answer 28

oxytocin

Question 29

Describe the posture of this calf:

Answer 29

head and front limbs extended

Remember, posture refers to the anatomic relationship of the fetal extremities to its own body (flexed, extended, retained, etc.)

Question 30

Identify the correct presentation, position, and posture:

• Caudal, dorso-iliac, hind limbs extended
• Caudal, dorso-iliac, right hind flexed
• Caudal, dorso-sacral, left leg extended, right leg flexed at the stifle
• Caudal, dorso-sacral, right hind retained

Answer 30

Caudal, dorso-sacral, left leg extended, right leg flexed at the stifle​

Question 31

What is the signal to initiate parturition?

Answer 31

fetal cortisol

Question 32

T/F: J-lube is the preferred lubricant for dystocia cases

Answer 32

False

• OB lube is the preferred lubricant.*
• J-lube is great, but if you have to do a C-section for some reason or have to open the abdomen, leakage of J-lube into the abdomen can cause illness and/or death.*

Question 33

Identify this piece of equipment:

Answer 33

Krey Hook

usually used for fetotomy