Management of parturition Flashcards
What are the three stages of parturition?
- labour
- delivery of foal
- delivery of placenta
Explain the process of labour
○ Early uterine contractions
○ Positioning of foal: from posterior flexed to anterior extended
○ Cervical and pelvic relaxation
Increased vaginal secretions
What are the signs of labour?
○ Restlessness
○ Sweating
○ Frequent urination and/or defecation
Milk dripping
How long does labour last for?
50 mins (range from 30min to 6hr)
What ends labour/begins stage 2?
Rupture of the chorioallantois
State the process of foal delivery
foetal expulsion
What are the signs of foal delivery
○ Recumbency
○ Active abdominal contractions (voluntary & involuntary). Maximise volume of lungs, hold, and push down increasing pressure on diaphragm.
○ Rupture of foetal membranes at cervical star
○ Appearance of amnion
○ Appearance of fore feet
Delivery of foal
How long does foal delivery last?
20 min (range from 2-60 mins)
How is foal delivery managed - when to interfere?
○ Avoid unless absolutely necessary
○ If no progression 10-15 min after chorioallantois rupture
○ If the following is apparent:
▪ One foot only and head
▪ Two feet, no head
Only head
What action is required if you need to interfere with foal delivery?
Reposition
Use plenty of lube
Apply traction with contractions (if not sedated)
Traction directed towards mares hocks
What are two problems in foal delivery?
- placental separation
- meconium staining
How do you manage placental separation?
need to break and slice through membrane to part from foals nose and allow it to breathe.
What is meconium staining and how should it be managed?
amniotic fluid and/or foal stained yellow. First faeces produces in uterus. Indicates stress & complications. Need vet check immediately.
State the process of placental delivery
expulsion of the placenta
what are the signs of placental delivery?
○ Mild-strong abdominal discomfort/colic
○ Recumbency
○ Placenta hanging from vulval lips
Milk let-down
