Parturition, Induction and Dystocia Flashcards
Why might we induce a dam to give birth?
1) Save the life of the fetus or dam
2) When gestation has gone passed the due date and there is the risk of dystocia from an oversized fetus
What are the requirements around Parturition Induction?
1) Viable fetus. e.g. mature lung surfactant
2) Delivery must not damage the offspring. e.g. high intra-uterine pressure
3) Dam must sustain the neonate. e.g. produce colostrum/ milk and bond with the offspring
What are the indications for Induction?
Clinical vs Management
Clinical: anticipate a large fetus, dam is ill or fetus is dead
Management: parturition in the presence of a skilled assistant (sows)
What are the available Inducing Agents that we have at our disposal?
- Corticosteroids: mimics the cortisol response initiated by the fetus
- Prostaglandins: luteolytic activity, used in species that maintain a luteal during pregnancy (not effective in sheep)
- Anti-progesterone agents: block progesterone production
What are the Stimulation Agents that we have at our disposal?
- Calcium salts: increase contractility
- Oxytocin
- Prostaglandin
- Beta-blockers: dont actually stimulate, but will reduce stress effect. Not commonly used
When would you induce a mare to give birth/ Indications to induce a mare?
- In an emergency
- If the mare is waxing (producing beads of colostrum from her teats)
- If there is a change in the mares colostrum
What is the average gestation of the mare? and the range?
Average: 340 days
Range: 320 - 365 days
What are the steps/ drugs used to induce a healthy mare?
Oxytocin given IV drip over the last few days of pregnancy
If her cervix opens (2 fingers wide) then give 120 IU/ 360-600kg and foaling will occur in 15-60 mins
What are the steps/ drugs used to induce a sick mare where you are trying to save the life of the foal?
Dexamethasone 100mg/day for 4 days starting at day 321
Caution: dystocia may occur due to incomplete rotation
What is the gestational length/ range of Cattle?
278 - 290 days
Note: generally if you induce before day 270 you will get a non-viable calf
What Inducing Agents can we use in a cow?
SAFER: Corticosteroids (long vs short acting), but may immunosuppress
- Prostaglandins: causes explosive contractions which can be a problem if the cervix is not dilated
What are the pros and cons of using long acting vs short acting corticosteroids in the pregnant cow?
long acting: less predictable but more physiologically normal
short acting: more predictable but rapid
What are the 2 Combined Inducing Agent Protocols we might use to induce a cow?
1) Long acting steroid 10-14 days before term, followed by a short-acting steroid or PG 8 days later
2) Short acting steroid + PG = get a rapid response, she will calve down b/w 36 - 72 hours. Used in emergencies
What is the average gestational length of the sheep?
152 days
What is the only Inducing Agent available to us for sheep, and why?
Corticosteroids
Because the placenta is the source of progesterone
How far along is it recommended to wait to Induce a Sheep?
142 days minimum
What is the protocol for inducing a sheep?
Single IM injection 6 days before expected due date, she will give birth 2-3 days later
What is the gestational period of the Sow?
3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days
= 113 - 115 days
Why would we induce a sow?
To reduce piglet mortality
What is the Induction protocol for a healthy Sow?
- Prostaglandin on days 112-113 between 8am - 10am = most will farrow the next day afternoon
- +/- Oxytocin 24 hours after = will speed up time of farrowing
What is the Induction protocol for a sick Sow?
Corticosteroids: 75-100mg injected daily on days 101 - 104
She will farrow on day 109
Caution: piglet survival rate is low, but might save the sow if emergent
What is the Induction protocol in dogs?
Oxytocin: 2 - 5 IU
Note: a vaginal exam should be done to make sure she is ready to whelp