Pre-partum Conditions and Approach to the Normal Calving Flashcards
When does vaginal prolapse occur
Last trimester
Risk factors for vaginal prolapse
Breed (Hereford)
BCS (fat)
Lax sacrotuberous ligaments/vulva
Previous perineal trauma
(oestrogenic pastures)
Should I cull a cow with vaginal prolapse
Highly repeatable: Cull
Outline grading system for vaginal prolapse
- Intermittent only when cow lying down, vaginal tissue fine
- Continuous prolapse, urinary bladder might be trapped
- Continuous prolapse, urinary bladder trapped, tissue starts to be compromised
- As above but include cervix, tissue infected, necrotic and sepsis/peritonitis possible
Correction for vaginal prolapse
Caudal epidural
Asses viability of tissue*
Clean and apply plenty lube
Replace back into vagina
Buhner’s stitch with uterine tape
2-3 fingers wide (need to pass U+)
Easy knot (so can undue)
NSAID, broad spectrum abs
What is hydrops Hydrallantois*/Hydramnios
Increased production/accumulation fluid
Hydrallantois - allantoic sac (outside)
Associated with placental disease
When does Hydrops occur
3rd trimester, acute
Clinical signs of hydrops
Distended abd, +/- systemic signs, down, prepubic tendon rupture
Treatment for hydrops
Elective c section or induce
Prognosis for hydrops
Poor, cull
Gestation period of cow
280 days (+/- 10 days ) around 9 months
Early embryonic death
Death 0 – 17 days
Late embryonic death
Death 17 – 42 days
Abortion/foetal death
Death 42 – 270 days
Still born
Born dead after 270 days of gestation *
Neonatal death
Neonatal death
Perinatal mortality
Death 270 days to 2 days post calving
Outline if abortion needs to be reported in cows
Beef – all abortions
Diary – aborted cws that are not screened by regular herd bulk milk samples
How many stages are there in normal calving
2 stages
Describe the 1st stage in normal calving
1st stage (variable time 0 – 24 hours)
Uterine contractions (not visible on outside, opens cervix and moves calf)
Behavioural changes
Tail head raises up and swishing tail etc
Describe the 2nd stage in normal calving
2nd stage (30 mins to 4 hours)
Water bag appears (marks the start of 2nd stage)
Abdominal contractions +++ (visible and cow may vocalise, caused by pressure from calf in pelvis, if don’t happen, calf is stuck somehow as hasn’t made it to pelvis)
Feet (should see some progress every 20 minutes)
Calf born (should be within 1.5 hours of water bag)
What is the long rotating stick that you use to calf called
Gyn stick
Calving in general - Drugs to help you
Local anaesthesia Epidural (No adrenaline ideally)
Clenbuterol (Planipart ®) 10ml slow IV
Relaxes uterus (Beta 2 agonist)
Gives space for correcting mal-presentation (pushing back)
C section – delays involution, stitching easier
Delays calving (highlands and islands)
Oxytocin (Oxytocin S®) 1-4ml IM
+ Uterine contractions
Reverse Clenbuterol
Post calving haemorrhage
Milk let down
