Parturition and Dystocia

Question 1

What are the 3 stages of parturition?

Answer 1

1. Initiation of myometrial contraction. includes womb contractions, restlessness of animal and changes in body temperature.
2. Expulsion of foetus
3. Expulsion of foetal membranes

Question 2

In which species can stage 1 of parturition last between 4-42 hours?

Answer 2

Queen

Question 3

How long should stage 3 of parturition take in small vs large animals?

Answer 3

Small - with neonate or shortly after

Large - between 1-6 hours

Question 4

In the second stage of parturition what is meant by a monotocous and polytocous species?

Answer 4

Monotocous = expulsion of foetus
Polytocous = cannot separate second and third stage

Question 5

What is a ball-park figure for the second stage of parturition?

Answer 5

30 minutes per foetus

Question 6

What are the 3 terms used to describe foetal disposition?

Answer 6

Presentation - longitudinal (anterior or posterior) or transverse
Position - dorsal, ventral or lateral
Posture - flexion/extension of the head, neck and limbs of foetus

Question 7

Compare the normal foetal position in horses/ruminants in comparison to a sow/bitch

Answer 7

Horses/ruminants = anterior longitudinal presentation, dorsal position, extended posture
Sow/bitch = posterior longitudinal presentation, dorsal position, extended posture

Question 8

What is the term given to describe a normal birth?

Answer 8

Eutocia

Question 9

What factors can influence dystocia?

Answer 9

Species, breed, age, nutrition, BCS, environment, genetics, disease, parity

Question 10

In which 3 situations will dystocia occur?

Answer 10

• expulsive forces are insufficient
• birth canal is of inadequate size and shape
• size or disposition of the foetus means it is unable to pass through the birth canal

Question 11

Give some examples of the consequences of dystocia?

Answer 11

• increase in stillbirths and offspring mortality
• increased dam mortality
• reduced productivity of the dam
• reduced subsequent fertility of dam
• increased risk of puerperal disease in the dam

Question 12

Give some examples of foetal dystocia

Answer 12

• Maldisposition: any abnormal position
• Feto-maternal disproportion
• Fetal monsters
• Multiple births in monotocous species

Question 13

What are some maternal skeletal and soft tissue causes of dystocia?

Answer 13

• Dislocation of sacro-coccygeal joint
• excess fat in vaginal wall decreases diameter
• bladder eversion, prolapse or distention
• failure of soft tissues to dilate stenosis of the vulva and vestibule

Question 14

What is primary uterine inertia?

Answer 14

Deficiency in the contractile potential of the myometrium

• delays/prevents the second stage of parturition
• common in polytocous species

Question 15

When rupture of the umbilical cord occurs how is hemorrhage prevented?

Answer 15

The two umbilical arteries and urachus retract into the abdomen

Question 16

What must be done following parturition?

Answer 16

• Check for another foetus
• Check for injury to repro tract
• Pain relief
• Excellent nursing care