Maternal Dystocia Flashcards
Definition of Dystocia
Prolonged spontaneous parturition OR
prolonged or severe assisted extraction
Types of dystocia
- maternal dystocia (constriction of tract, failure of expulsion)
- foetal dystocia (disproportion to dam)
- both
Definition of forced extraction
supplemented normal expulsion & coordinated w/ dam straining
abdominal contractions pull the pelvic brim in what direction? what does this do to the diameter of the pelvic inlet?
ventrally & anteriorly
increases diameter of pelvic inlet
if traction is applied to a non-straining cow, what direction does that pull the pelvic floor & calf? what does it do to the diameter of the pelvic inlet?
pulls caudally
decreases diameter of pelvic inlet
traction points for forced extraction
- above fetlock (or knee/hock)
- behind ears & btw jaws
When doing forced extraction what should you take care with?
- easy to rotate head & dislocate cervical vertebrae
- easy to trap maternal tissue btw foetus & dam
things to do prior to/during extraction
- adequate lubrication
- avoid jerky mvmts
- avoid xs force on head (stimulates stress)
- ensure presentation, position prior (position correctly PRN)
- check during delivery
- check direction of traction
- stimulate normal progression
The direction of force during extraction should be in what general shape?
arch
Why should the direction of force during extraction be arched?
if not: force transmitted to ventral abd wall of foetus & foetal pelvis is pulled forwards which may pull the hips/femoral trochanters forward too soon leading to hip-lock
Calving aids
people
pully
calving aid/jack + straight bar/Moorepark head
Natural expulsive force of cow
75 kg
Amount of traction that could be applied by 1 person?
160 kg
Amount of traction that could be applied by 2 people
250 kg
Amount of traction that can be applied by a calving jack
750 kg
amount of traction that can be applied by a calving jack used as a lever
3750 kg
Guideline for amount of traction applied per calf
5 kg of traction per kg of body weight of the calf
What is important to remember about calving jacks/aids PRIOR to EVERY use?
the quick release works!
Pelvic constriction may be due to…
- developmental abnormalities
- inadeq pelvis
- pelvic constriction due to fracture
How do you know incomplete cervical dilation has occurred in cattle?
1st stage signs of labour are prolonged but not progressing
In cattle, if the cervix is fully dilated
it is NOT palpable per vaginam
When the cervix in cattle is fully closed…
it may be possible to insert a finger into external opening only
if a mucus plug is present in cattle and the cervix is closed, this tells you…
calving has not started
A partially dilated cervix allows
fingers or a hand thru & feels like a fibrous ring