Lecture 14: Bovine Obstetrics

Question 0

how long does the first stage of labor last and what happens during this stage?

Answer 0

2-6 hours

• calf rotates to upright position
• uterine contractions begin
• allantois chorion ruptures
• dam is restless, tail raised, isolates from herd

Question 1

fetal stress initiates release of which hormones?

Answer 1

glucocorticoids

Question 2

how long is period between end of stage 1 and beginning of stage 2 and what will you see?

Answer 2

about 15 minutes
1st chorioallantoic = watery brown or yellow fluid
2nd amniotic = thick, clear white fluid

Question 3

how long is stage 2 and what happens?

Answer 3

15 - 90 minutes; average 45 minutes

• fetus enters birth canal
• front feed and head protrude first
• calf delivery is completed

Question 4

how long is stage 3 and what happens

Answer 4

2 - 12 hours

• uterine contraction expels fetal membranes
• • > 12 hours = retained fetal membranes ** can expose cow to infection!
• placentome: no muscular tissue

Question 5

during which stages of labor will dystocia occur?

Answer 5

interruption of stage 1 and 2

50% of calf mortality due to dystocia

Question 6

what are major causes of dysoticas

Answer 6

• size disproportion between calf and dam
• abnormal presentation, position or posture of calf
• twin calves
• abnormal calves (monster)
• other: heat stress, metabolic problems

Question 7

history gathered for obstetrical examination

Answer 7

• breeding date
• sire/previous parturition
• presenting signs and complaint
• how long has she been in labor
• any assistance rendered

Question 8

how do you determine if a fetus is alive or dead in an anterior presentation?

Answer 8

swallow reflex
pedal reflex
blinking reflex

Question 9

how do you determine whether a fetus is alive when in posterior presentation

Answer 9

pedal reflex
anal reflex
pulsating umbilical cord

Question 10

presentation

Answer 10

relation of the spinal axis of the fetus to that of the dam
longitudinal = anterior or posterior
transverse = dorsal or ventral

Question 11

position

Answer 11

relationship of the dorsum of the fetus in longitudinal or transverse presentation to the quadrants of the maternal pelivs (sacrum, R ileum, pubis, L ileum)
- dorso-sacral, dorso-R ileal, dorso-pubis, dorso-L ileal
****

Question 12

posture

Answer 12

the relationship of the fetal extremities to its own body
- they may be flexed, extended, or retained beneath
*****

Question 13

Eutocia

Answer 13

normal delivery

presentation: anterior longitudinal
position: dorso-sacral
posture: normal (forelimbs extended)

Question 14

what you need to determine

Answer 14

either give no assistance, assist per vaginum or other (c-section or fetotmy)

Question 15

cardinal rule of obstetrics

Answer 15

cleanliness and lubrication

Question 16

where does most lubrication come from?

Answer 16

amniotic sac

Question 17

what is rule for assisting with delivery in anterior presentation

Answer 17

both pasterns 10 -15 cm beyond vulva
points of shoulders have passed iliac shafts
**

Question 18

rule for assisting with delivery in posterior presentation

Answer 18

both hocks appear at vulva
greater trochanters passed iliac shafts
**

Question 19

how do you deal with pelvic dimension issues

Answer 19

maternal pelvis is egg shaped. fetal pelvis is wider than it is vertical. to combat this, rotate fetus to make for easier passage
***

Question 20

post delivery systematic approach

Answer 20

calf - check for respiration
cow - check for twins, tears (vulva, vagina, cervix or uterus), metabolic problems (milk fever ie hypocalcemia), oxytocin to expedite involution and prevent prolapsed uterus
calf - dip navel, give colostrum