8- Causes and assessment of dystocia

Question 1

What is meant by foetal disposition?

Answer 1

Cause of dystocia
Due to presentation, Position, posture abnormality

Question 2

What is a foetal monster?

Answer 2

An embryo, a newborn animal, or young plant that is grossly deformed

Question 3

What is ring womb?

Answer 3

failure of cervix to dilate

Question 4

Why is feto-maternal disproportion not common in mares

Answer 4

The size of the fetus is governed by the surface area of the placenta which is governed by the size of the mare

Question 5

What is secondary uterine inertia?

Answer 5

The uterus was contracting but has experienced myometrial exhaustion

Question 6

What is primary uterine inertia?

Answer 6

Failure of the uterus to properly contract during parturition

Due to
- Overstretching
- Incorrect oestrogen: progesterone ratio
- Inadequate secretion of oxytocin
- Ca2+/Mg2+ Deficiency
Nervous voluntary inhibition

Question 7

What is the most common cause of dystocia in beef sires?

Answer 7

Feto-maternal disproportion

Question 8

Almost 75% of dystocia cases in dogs are due to what?

Answer 8

Primary uterine inertia

Question 9

What is fetotomy?

Answer 9

Used when the fetus is dead - fetus is cut apart and then removed in pieces

Question 10

Give 2 reasons would a caesarean be used?

Answer 10

Foetus cannot be delivered by mutation and traction

Dystocia is correctable but there is a large litter = risk of secondary inertia

Uterine torsion/incomplete cervix dilation

If fetotomy would be extensive, traumatic & time consuming

Elective procedure

Question 11

What is the most common cause of dystocia in mares

Answer 11

foetal disposition- as the foetus needs to rotate during delivery and second stage of parturition is very short