PATHOLOGY - Calving Flashcards
What is stage 1 of normal calving?
Stage 1 of calving is when uterine contractions begin. There are not visible externally however the cow can experience behavioural changes such as restlessness, raise their tailhead and swish their tail. These uterine contractions will move the calf from the uterus into the pelvis
How long should stage 1 of calving last?
Stage 1 of calving can be variable and last up to 24 hours
What is stage 2 of normal calving?
Stage 2 of calving begins when the water bag is visible. Abdominal contractions will begin and the cow may vocalise. Once the feet are visible, calving should make progress every 20 minutes and the calf should be born within approximately an hour and a half
What stimulates abdominal contractions in calving?
In calving, abdominal contractions are stimulated by the pressure of the calf within the pelvis
What is indicated if abdominal contractions are not seen in calving?
If abdominal contractions do not begin, this can indicate the calf is stuck and has not reached the pelvis
How long should stage 2 of calving last?
Stage 2 of calving can last between 30 minutes to 4 hours
Which history questions can be beneficial to ask when investigating a difficult calving?
How long has she been calving?
Has she been straining?
Which stage of calving is she in?
When was she due?
Has she had any problems calving in the past?
How old is the cow? Is she a heifer?
What breed was the sire?
Have you applied any traction?
Has the farmer put their hand in and if so what did they feel?
What is the demeanour of the cow?
Is there any excessive bleeding?
Is there a bad smell?
Has the placenta passed before the calf?
What can be indicated if the cow has been calving for a long period of time?
Dead calf
Uterine twist
What can be indicated if the cow has been calving but not straining?
Calf is too big
Uterine twist
What can be indicated is a cow is overdue calving?
Calf is too big
What can be indicated if the calving cow is a heifer?
Heifers can have a small pelvis which can make calving more challenging
Which sire breed is known to result in complicated calvings?
Belgian Blue sires have a reputation for resulting in complicated calvings as the feet of the calf are small but the rump is very large and can get stuck
What is indicated if the farmer has applied traction but the cow still hasn’t calved?
If the farmer has applied traction and the cow still hasn’t calved, this can indicate a cesarean may be required
What is indicated if the cow is systemically unwell?
If the cow is systemically unwell, this can indicate that an underlying disease process may be contributing to the dystocia
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Calving jack
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Block and tackle
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Eye hook
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Guarded knife
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Embryotome and embryotomy wire
Identify this piece of calving equipment
Gyn stick
What can the gyn stick be used to correct?
The gyn stick can be useful to correct a uterine twist
What are the restraint options for doing a clinical examination on a calving cow?
Head rope tied to a gate
Calving gate
Crush
Remember, do not calve a cow with their head restrained
Which factors should you assess when doing a clinical examination on a calving cow?
Body condition score
Demeanour
Udder
You don’t have time to do a full clinical examination
How should you prepare for calving?
Have any calving equipment you may require available
Clean and disinfect the perineum
Put on gloves
Use plenty of lubricant