Obstetrics Flashcards
How many flexible joints are between the “knee” and hoof?
One flexible joint
How many flexible joints are between the “elbow” and hoof?
Two flexible joints
Relative oversize calf
normal calf, small dam
Absolute oversize calf
normal dam, large calf
When would it be common to have an absolute oversize situation?
crossbreeding = exotic calves out of domestic cow
like Angus cow trying to calve a Charolais-cross calf
Obstetrical Equipment
- 2 buckets/ scrub
- lubricant
- epidural equipment
- stainless steel chains and handles
- eye hooks
- fetal extractor
- fetotomy equipment
- surgery pack
- gloves (+/-)
History/ Physical Examination
Prior intervention = Has the owner already tried to pull the calf? Do they know of any lacerations already?
Recumbent = obturator paralysis? milk fever?
Restraint for Obstetrics
halter- tied low! (not hanging herself if she lays down)
chute- What if she lies down in chute and can’t get up?…
Recommend catching in chute, haltering, and then bringing out in front of the chute, and tying down low
Epidural anesthesia
- usually 2% lidocaine = enough to numb, but she can still be standing
- cessation of straining
- prevention of defecation
Purpose of Vaginal Exam
- condition of birth canal
- condition of fetus
- live or dead
- presentation
- position
- posture
How to check if alive or dead
- grasp or pinch foot
- flex joints
- pinch eyeballs
- anal palpation
More than two limbs in birth canal
- twins
- monsters
- transverse presentation
Obstetrical operations
- mutation
- forced extraction
- fetotomy
- Cesarean section
Mutation
- repulsion
- rotation
- version
- adjustment of extremeities
repulsion
pushing calf back in to have space to adjust extremities
Why do you need to watch when doing a repulsion?
It is possible to push calf through wall of uterus, especially if she’s been in labor for a while
rotation
turning calf on long axis
version
- occurs more with mares
- changes into longitudinal position from transverse
- better to switch into a posterior instead of an anterior = only have to fight with back legs vs. front legs and neck
Maximum force for forced extraction?
- not more than 2-3 people
- not more than 600 to 800 pounds
Placement of obstetrical chains?
loop above fetlock AND half-hitch around pastern
Why should you never use eye hooks in live foals?
Foals’ heads are delicate and will fracture
Why should you never put a loop on bottom jaw, especially if it’s a live calf?
Will break teeth
How should the direction of pull be done?
Through an arc
This also puts the calf’s pelvis high up in the cow’s pelvis - gives a few more inches to work with
When should aid be given for calving
Allow 2-3 hours after straining begins
Before this, it’s too early - aid can be detrimental
