Parturition Flashcards
normal gestation length of the mare
-Average gestation length is 341 days
-Wide range of normal from < 320 to over 365 days
progesterone drop in cows
-In cow, P4 < 1 ng/ml is 99% accurate in predicting parturition in next 12 hrs
-Expensive, not practical
progesterone drop in the bitch
-In bitch, drop in P4 prepartum is seen as a drop in rectal temperature of 1-2 degrees C
-To find it need to measure temperature 3X/day
Use of Physical Signs of Impending
Parturition (4)
-Changes in body shape
-Mammary gland development
-Milk vein engorgement
-Poor tail tone
Physical Signs of Impending Parturition in Mares (9)
-Relaxation of pelvic ligaments
-Belly drops
-Mammary gland development
-Milk vein engorgement
-Milk electrolyte and pH changes
-Expulsion of mucus plug from cervix
-Filling of the teats
-Waxing
-Lengthening of the vulva
when does udder growth happen in the mare
-Growth of the udder occurs in the last 2 –4 weeks
what happens to the teats 48 hours before parturition
-Waxing of the teats usually within 48 hours before birth
-Changes in milk composition
what does changes in milk electrolytes indicate
-Indicates fetal maturity
what specific changes do we see in milk composition before parturition
-Calcium > 400 ppm
-Na (dec) / Ca (inc) / K levels (inc)
-<6.4 pH
what happens in the three stages of labour
-Stage One – Uterine contractions, repositioning of fetus, dilation of cervix
-Stage Two – Rupture of chorioallantois and delivery of the foal
-Stage Three – Passage of the placenta
signs and length of stage 1 in cows
anorexia, arched back, restless, elevated tail
1-24 hr (avg 6)
signs and length of stage 1 in mare
anorexia, colicky, patchy sweating, frequent urination/defecation
0.5- 6hr (avg 2)
signs and length of stage 1 in bitch
panting, vomiting, nesting, restless
6 – 12 hr
signs and length of stage 1 in ewe/doe
separate from flock, nesting, restless
1-6 hrs
length of stage 2 in cows
1-8 hr-Cow vs heifer
