FAC50-51: Reproductive Surgery

Question 1

What are the different classifications of difficult calvings?

Answer 1

Eutocia - norma calving; spontaneous expulsion of calf of normal duration

Assisted calving - assistance provided but not full dystocia

Dystocia - calving difficulty resulting from prolonged stage 2 or prolonged assisted extraction

Question 2

What are the three Ps of dystocia?

Answer 2

Presentation, Posture, Position

Question 3

What is the normal presentation of a foetus?

Answer 3

Longitudinal anterior (presentation)

Dorsal (position)

Extended head, neck, and forelimbs (posture)

Question 4

What reflexes will the foetus have?

Answer 4

Withdrawal reflex

Blinking

Anal sphincter contraction

Question 5

When should you intervene in parturition?

Answer 5

Any delay or interruption in the normal progress of parturition is abnormal - therefore intervention is indicated

Cows: assist 30-60 minutes after appearance of membranes

Heifers: assist within 60-90 minutes after appearance of membranes

Question 6

When should a foetotomy be undergone?

Answer 6

When the foetus is dead and you need to reduce the size of the foetus to relieve oversize or malpresentations

Question 7

What are the different methods to correct uterine torsion?

Answer 7

Swinging the calf in utero

Plank technique

Cast and rotate cow

Detorsion rods

Caesarean section

Question 8

What are signs of foetal hypoxia?

Answer 8

Exaggerated foetal movements

Meconium (first faeces) visible in foetal fluids

Question 9

What are the potential sequaelae to dystocia?

Answer 9

RFM

Endometritis/Metritis

Uterine prolapse

Tears, haemorrhage, and ruptures

Peripheral neuropathies

Hypocalcaemia

Infertility