Parturition & post partum Flashcards
What happens in the preparation stage of parturition?
Late term production of Relaxin & fetal maturation
What are the three stages of parturition?
First Stage – Cervical dilation & initial uterine contractions
Second Stage – Active labor & fetal expulsion
Third Stage – Expulsion of placenta
What happens in the first stage of parturition?
Fetal maturation initiates hormonal changes (↑PGF2α, ↓progesterone, ↑relaxin)
Cervix softens & dilates
Myometrial excitability increases, causing uterine contractions
Fetus assumes proper disposition for delivery
What is the role of relaxin in parturition?
Softens cervix to allow dilation
Relaxes pelvic ligaments to facilitate fetal passage
What happens in the second stage of parturition?
- Uterine contractions push fetus into birth canal
- Abdominal contractions assist in expulsion
- Ferguson’s reflex (oxytocin release) enhances contractions
- Fetus is delivered
What happens in the third stage of parturition?
Myometrial contractions decrease in amplitude but become frequent & irregular
Placenta is expelled
How long does the second stage of parturition last in different species?
Duration is longer in polytocous species
What are common causes of dystocia?
Feto-maternal disproportion (large fetus or small birth canal)
Faulty fetal disposition (malpresentation, malposition, malposture)
Maternal issues (e.g. uterine inertia, incomplete cervical dilation)
Twin pregnancies (higher dystocia risk)
Fetal abnormalities (e.g. malformations, fetal monsters)
What are the most common causes of dystocia in cows?
Feto-maternal disproportion – Common in heifers & large-breed sires
Twin pregnancies
Faulty disposition
Maternal dystocia – Due to incomplete cervical dilation or uterine inertia
What are the most common causes of dystocia in bitches?
Maternal dystocia
- Primary uterine inertia
- Small birth canal, uterine torsion, hydrops, vaginal septum
Fetal dystocia
- Malpresentation
- Fetal oversize
What are the common post-partum conditions in animals?
Haemorrhage
Trauma/lacerations/contusions
Prolapse
Retained foetal membranes
Metritis
Recumbency / nerve damage
What are the causes of post-partum haemorrhage?
Umbilical rupture – Blood leaks from placenta
Uterine/vaginal lacerations – Can be severe (e.g. vaginal artery rupture)
Minor seepage from placental attachment sites
What are common causes of perineal lacerations in cows and mares?
Often occurs during 1st parturition, esp with forced traction
Can range from first-degree (mild) to third-degree (severe, involving rectum)
What are the 2 ways in which bladders can prolapse?
Through a tear in vagina
- Serosal (external) surface of bladder visible
- Common in ewe & cow
Everts through large urethra
- Mucosal (internal) surface visible
- Common in mare
When and in what species are vaginal prolapses often seen
Late pregnancy:
- Ewes & cows
During oestrus:
- Sows and bitches
What species are most commonly affected by uterine prolapse?
Cows & ewes – Most common, often complete eversion of uterus
Sows – Rare, usually 1 horn everts
What are the risk factors for uterine prolapse?
Multiparous cows
Hypocalcaemia
Excessive straining – Due to dystocia or retained placenta
How is uterine prolapse treated?
- Epidural anaesthesia
- “Frog-leg” positioning in cows
- Gradual replacement of uterus
- Post-replacement care – Oxytocin, calcium, NSAIDs, antibiotics
How common is RFM in different species?
Cows – common, esp. after dystocia
Mares – less common, but consequences are severe (metritis → laminitis)
Ewes – Uncommon, mild metritis risk
Bitch & Queen – Rare but can lead to metritis
What is retained foetal membranes?
Failure of normal process of dehiscence and expulsion of placenta
What causes retained foetal membranes?
Cows – Abortion, dystocia, hypocalcaemia, caesareans, twins, mineral deficiencies
Mares – Linked to breed, dystocia, uterine inertia, hypocalcaemia
How is retained foetal membranes treated?
Cows – Gentle removal (triple glove method), antibiotics if clinically ill
Mares – Urgent treatment, careful traction, oxytocin & checking for fragments
Bitches/Queens – Green discharge confirms retention, treated with oxytocin, PGs, ergometrine, NSAIDs, antibiotics, fluid therapy
What factors increase the risk of post-partum metritis?
Dystocia or assisted delivery.
Placental retention.
Bacterial contamination during parturition
What are the clinical signs of post-partum metritis?
Severe cases: Foul-smelling discharge, pyrexia, dehydration, toxaemia, collapse
Chronic cases: Fluid accumulation in uterus
How is post-partum metritis treated?
Fluid therapy & NSAIDs
Parenteral/intrauterine antibiotics
Uterine drainage (oxytocin, PGs, lavage)
Calcium administration if hypocalcaemia suspected
What post-partum nerve injuries are common in cows?
Gluteal paralysis
Obturator paralysis
How are post-partum nerve injuries treated?
NSAIDs & pain relief
Hobbling for obturator paralysis
Firm footing & nursing care
Mammary gland management to prevent mastitis
What are the most common causes of post-partum nerve damage in cows?
What are the most common causes of post-partum nerve damage in mares?
