CAL - Parturition in LA Flashcards

Question

Answer 1

Presentation: [Transverse] Position: [Lateral] Posture: [Bilateral carpus flexion]

Answer 2

Presentation: [Longitudinal posterior (normal)] Position: [Dorsal (normal)] Posture: [Bilateral hip flexion]

Answer 3

Presentation: [Longitudinal anterior (normal)] Position: [Dorsal (normal)] Posture: [Bilateral carpus flexion]

Answer 4

There are several reasons why foetal disposition may occur. These include; * weak / uncoordinated uterine contractions * delayed development of foetal reflexes * weak / uncoordinated foetal movements * competition for uterine space * ankylosis of joints

Answer 5

abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.

Answer 6

* In the majority of cases the first step is to identify the position of the calf, or any physical reasons for dystocia ie. Ringwomb. * The next step is often to use local anaesthesia in the form of an epidural to stop the dam straining and thereby permit manipulation per vaginum. The instilling of extra lubrication in and around the calf/lamb/kid etc will often aid correction of malpresentations. Other steps that may be required include; **Traction (manual or with calving jack)** **Episiotomy** **Fetotomy** **Caesarean** **Euthanasia of dam**

Answer 7

* Dystocia is a well recognised risk factor for mortality and morbidity in calves. * The instance of neonatal death from normal births is more likely secondary to prematurity, dysmaturity, congenital defects and infectious processes.

Answer 8

* **Airway** * **Breathing** * **Circulation** _The key areas for successful resuscitation are;_ * Establishing a patent airway * Initiating breathing * Establishing adequate circulation In cattle, resuscitation post dystocia focuses on establishing breathing and correction of acid-base abnormalities. Generally, cardiac resuscitation is not attempted as claves born without a heartbeat are unlikely to be viable. Other important areas to consider are maintaining body temperature and ensuring adequate colostrum is received.

Answer 9

* Immediately after delivery the calf should be placed in sternal recumbancy to maximize ventilation and minimize **ventilation-perfusion imbalances**. To ensure a patent airway the calf should have their nose and mouth cleared of any fluid or physical obstruction. * Suspension of calves by the back legs to clear the upper respiratory tract should only be for a short period of time (~\<90 seconds). Care must be taken if the calf is swung by the back legs to clear the airway and this can cause injuries to both the calf and worker.

Answer 10

* **Calves should make active respiratory movements within 30 seconds of being delivered.** * Primary apnoea is defined as the absence of spontaneous breathing for 1 to 5 minutes. It is therefore important to stimulate respiration in newborn calves. When hypoventilation or apnoea is present assistance is generally indicated

Answer 11

There are many methods that have been advocated for establishing respiration and airway patency in calves. * Rubbing calves with bedding or towels is an attempt to stimulate the **phrenic nerve.** * Placing a finger, piece of straw, or other implement in the nose initiates a gasping reflex and helps aerate the lungs. * The use of acupuncture points on the muzzle has been advocated. * Pouring cold water over the calf's head or ear has been recommended for hypothermic respiratory stimulation. * Positive pressure ventilation has also been advocated in calves. This is primarily used to initiate respiration as opposed specifically to treat hypoxia. * Mouth-to-nose or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is commonly initiated when presented with a calf that is not breathing * Care must be taken as air often travels down the oesophagus filling the abomasum, further impeding the calf's ability to breathe. Placing digital pressure over the oesophagus may help divert the air to the trachea during this process. Mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-nose procedures are also less ideal because of the potential of contracting zoonotic diseases. * A cuffed endotracheal tube can be used to provide positive pressure ventilation. A **5.5- to 9.5-mm tube** is appropriate for use in calves and can be easily passed with the use of a long-bladed laryngoscope. When the calf becomes strong enough to fight it, the endotracheal tube should be removed.

Answer 12

* **Doxapram hydrochloride** stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors and medullary respiratory centres of the brain. The drug has a wide margin of safety and has been used successfully to stimulate respiration. * Doxapram may also have some benefit in stimulating respiration in calves that have respiratory depression caused by drugs, particularly from xylazine given to the dam during calving. Doxapram is unlikely to have a positive effect in calves with profound central nervous system depression secondary to hypercapnia. These animals are likely to require ventilatory support. * Secondary apnoea is defined as the absence of spontaneous breaths 5 minutes or more after delivery. This situation offers a grave prognosis and **doxapram is ineffective in these calves.**

Answer 13

* In general, cardiac resuscitation is not undertaken in animals born without a heartbeat. Successful resuscitation is unlikely in these settings. * In foals, the likelihood for revival is approximately 50% if cardiac resuscitation is begun before development of a **non-perfusing rhythm**. * Survival of less than 10% is expected when resuscitation efforts begin after asystole. (cardiac arrest rhythm with no discernible electrical activity on the EKG monitor) * In calves that are profoundly **bradycardic**, epinephrine (0.2 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution IM or 0.1 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution IV or intracardiac) can be administered. * This produces a rapid tachycardia; however, the calf is still likely to require intubation and its ventilation assisted

Answer 14

* Calves require colostrums to provide passive immunity to disease that they may be exposed to early in life. **Colostrum contains high levels of the immunoglobulin IgG**. Adequate passive immunity is achieved when calf blood IgG levels are **equal to, or greater than 10g/L at 24 hours after birth**. * Absorption of immunoglobulins must occur before the calfs intestines become impermeable to the large Ig proteins (gut closure). **This process tends to have occurred by 24 hours.** * It is important to establish a suitable protocol for calf colostrum management. It is recommended that to ensure adequate Ig intake it is **important to administer two feedings of colostrum (2 L each) containing at least 50 g Ig/L**. Ideally feed 2 L at birth and another 2 L 12 hours later. If adequate stores of colostrum are available then a further 2L could be fed before the 24 hours passes. * Fresh or frozen (thoroughly defrosted and warmed before use) is the best colostrum to use. Any recently calved cow should be milked of her colostrum; typically **8L is possible**. The farmer can then use 6 of these litres for the protocol above, and then freeze 2 litres for use in another calf. It is important to note that the amount and quality of colostrum in heifers will be reduced. In these circumstances a store of colostrums from older cows can be incredibly useful.

Answer 15

The incidence of post partum complications is increased post dystocia. This is particularly true when farmer or vet intervention has occurred. Potential complications include; * Hypocalcaemia * Hypomagnasaemia * Hypophosphataemia * Combinations of the above * Post parturient paralysis * Metritis * Endometritis * Uterine tears * Vulval tears * Uterine prolapses * Mastitis * Retained foetal membranes * Peritonitis * Complications post surgery (caesarean)