Parturition complications - large animals Flashcards
How many oocytes are fertilised if inseminated at the correct time?
90%
When does most calf mortality occur?
By day 42 gestation
Define early embryonic loss
Before MRP or first return to oestrous
–> regular return to oestrous
Define late embryonic mortality
After MRP, before completion of organogenesis/foetus
–> irregular returns
Define foetal loss
After day 42 (cow),
irregular returns
What 2 categories affect pregnancy rate (PR)?
Physiological
Pathological - genetic or environmental
How significant are chromosome abnormalities to creating abnormal embryos?
about 10% abnormal (little heifer/cow variation)
How does BCS loss 5 weeks PP affect 1st service PR?
65% PR
0.5-1 => 53% PR
>1 => 17% PR
Thus PR seems to be related to energy balance
How does crude protein (CP) affect services/conception?
Increase % CP in diet –> increases the number of days open and the number of services/conception. This is because increasing CP decreases the proportion of energy in the diet.
List some infectious agents that can cause pregnancy losses
Leptospira hardjo Ureaplasma diversum Campylobacter fetus BHV-1 (IBR) BVDV Neospora caninum
Typically early loses aren’t due to infectious agents but do keep these as differentials at the back of your mind
What does fluctuation do during rectal palpation?
allows determination of whether there is fluid in the uterus
How does rectal palpation affect pregnancy loss?
Increased interference –> increased loss (trauma)
Name iatrogenic factors causing pregnancy loss - 4
Corticosteroids (>255 days)
Prostaglandins
Oestrogens (mycotoxins)
Oxytocin
How does AI sire affect PR?
Some variation in terms of whether sire is below/above average but not hugely different. Now PR are increasing because of better bull selection.
What happens during foetal loss after 42 days?
Maceration
Mummification (CL persists)
Abortion (152-270 days)
Stillbirth (after 270 days)
Define hydrops
Oedema of the placenta:
Hydropsamni/hydropamnios
Hydropsallantois/hydrallantois
Variable amount of fluid
Mostly seen in last 3 months
Treatment options - hydrops
Cull
Induce parturition (prostaglandins > corticosteroids)
2 stage C-section (remove fluid then calf)
N.b. always RFM and always check for 2nd calf
Outline foetal hydrops
Hydrocephalus
Ascites
Anascara (widespread/generalised oedema)
Treatment - foetal hydrops
Partial foetotomy
C-section
When does uterine torsion occur?
End of term (Cattle)
9 months gestation (mare, colic presentation)
Usually a counterclockwise direction (80% cases)
Treatment options - uterine torsion
Vagina/rectal exam - determine direction of torsion
Reposition - internal/external forces
Remember which way to turn
Cervical vaginal prolapse - predisposing factors
High/low BCS High roughage diets/ high rumen fill Twins Increased oestrogens (mycotoxins) Lack of exericse Urinary retention (--> straining) Breed (and inherited through generations) Age
Consequences - cervical vaginal prolapse - 4
Infection - caudal/cranial genital tract (may –> abortion)
Debility/inappetence (pain)
Urinary retention
Rupture of dorsal or lateral wall with visceral eventration
Treatment - cervical vaginal prolapse
Necessary - pain and loss of cervical mucous plug Caudal epidural - Local (procain) or xylazine (longer acting) Various methods (harness, spoon, Buhner)
When does uterine prolapse occur?
Immediately PP
Hypocalcaemia
EMERGENCY!
Actions - uterine prolapse
Removal foetal membranes
Epidural block
Frog position (makes pushing back in easier)
Keep on pushing back
Sugar - used externally to remove fluids (?)
Bottle to push further (and ensure no micro-prolapses)
Buhner
Ca (if indicated)
NSAIDs
What are 2 possible outcomes of uterine prolapse if untreated?
Uterine perforation
Uterine artery rupture so bleeds to death in peritoneal cavity
