PATHOLOGY - Post-Partum Conditions Flashcards
After calving, what are the first two factors you should check when assessing the calf?
Check the umbilicus for haemorrhage
Check for respiration
How do you treat an umbilical haemorrhage?
Clamp the umbilicus immediately and suture it closed
Which methods can you use to resuscitate a calf if they are not breathing post-calving?
Ensure airway is clear of fluid
Put calf in sternal recumbency and extend their neck
Put straw up their nose
Put water in their ears
Doxapram
What is the most effective method to resuscitate a calf post-calving?
Putting the calf in sternal recumbency and extending their neck as this will open up their airways
What is doxapram?
Doxapram is a respiratory stimulant drug
What is one of the main consequences of delayed respiration in calves at birth?
All calves are born which a degree of respiratory acidosis at birth, especially those delivered by C-section, which is naturally corrected. However, if a calf has had a difficult calving and delayed respiration, this will result in low blood oxygen, anaerobic metabolism, lactic acid production and metabolic acidosis, in combination with respiratory acidosis - this requires treatment
What are the consequences of acidosis in neonatal calves?
Decreased respiratory function
Decreased cardiac function
Decreased suckling reflex
Decreased calf vigour
Decreased IgG absorption
What are the clinical signs of neonatal calf acidosis?
No/reduced respiration
No suckle reflex
Depression
Increased time to reach sternal recumbency (more than 3 mins)
Increased time to stand (more than 15 to 30 mins)
How do you treat acidosis in neonatal calves?
50 - 100ml of slow IV 8.4% bicarbonate solution
How do you make 8.4% bicarbonate solution?
Mix 35g of bicarbonate in 400ml of 0.9% NaCL to make 8.4% bicarbonate solution
What general calf care should be carried out post-calving?
Colostrum
Iodine dip the umbilicus
NSAIDs (calving can be painful for the calf too)
Which post-calving checks should you do for the cow?
Vaginal examination
Check udder for colostrum
NSAIDs (calving is painful)
Oxytocin if indicated
Calcium if indicated
Fluid therapy if indicated
What should you assess for during a post-calving vaginal examination?
Another calf
Tears
Haemorrhage
Contusions
What are the most common causes of post-calving haemorrhage in cows?
Vaginal artery rupture
Pudendal artery rupture
Uterine artery rupture
Which arterial ruptures result in acute post-calving haemorrhage?
Vaginal and pudendal artery (the cow can die in 0 - 6 hours)
How do you treat a vaginal or pudendal artery rupture?
- Caudal epidural
- Strip away the fat around the vessel and clamp it off
- Pack the vagina
- Blood transfusion
Which arterial ruptures result in chronic post-calving haemorrhage?
Uterine artery rupture
How do you treat a uterine artery rupture?
- Caudal epidural
- Pack the uterus
- Do a buhner stitch
- Administer oxytoxin
- Remove the packing after 24 hours
- Blood transfusion
What are the two main causes of a uterine prolapse in cows?
Hypocalcaemia
Excessive traction applied during calving
What should you tell the farmer to do if they call to report a uterine prolapse?
Tell the farmer to wrap the prolapse in a clean sheet or plastic and try to keep the cow still until you arrive
What are some poor prognostic indicators associated with a uterine prolapse?
Severe haemorrhage
Non-viable/necrotic tissue
Tearing
Gastrointestinal tract involvement
How do you treat a uterine prolapse?
- Position the cow either standing in a crush or in sternal recumbency with her legs extended caudally
- Caudal epidural
- Clean the uterus and remove the placenta
- If there is a tear in the uterus, do an everting suture
- Ask your assistants to hold up the uterus while you push it back in using lots of lubricant
- Ensure the uterus is completely everted as if it is not, it will prolapse again (a wine bottle can be used to help fully evert the uterus)
- Administer NSAIDs and a broad spectrum antibiotic
What is the prognosis for a uterine prolpase?
Generally most cows survive a uterine prolpase however there can be delays for getting them back in calf
Which three nerves can be damaged during calving?
Obturator nerve
Perineal nerve
sciatic nerve
What is a key sign of obturator nerve damage?
Obturator nerve damage will result in the cow being unable to adduct their limbs and thus they will do the splits
What is a key sign of perineal nerve damage?
Perineal nerve damage will result in the cow being unable to extend their fetlock joint
What is a key sign of sciatic nerve damage?
Sciatic nerve damage will result in the cow being completely unable to rise, and often involves the damage of multiple nerves
How do you treat cows with post-calving nerve damage?
NSAIDs
Nursing care and ‘downer cow’ management
How long can it take cows with post-calving nerve damage to recover?
Recovery can take up to 3 weeks
