Large Animal Obstetrics

Question 1

Define: Presentation

Answer 1

Relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the dam’s birth canal

Question 2

Define: Position

Answer 2

Relationship of the dorsum of the fetus to the quadrants of the dam’s pelvis

Question 3

Define: Posture

Answer 3

Relationship of the fetal extremities to the fetus itself

Question 4

Normal Presentation

Answer 4

Anterior

Question 5

Normal Position

Answer 5

Dorsal-Sacral

Question 6

Normal Posture

Answer 6

Head extended, both front legs extended (normal)

Question 7

What is the normal orientation in the birth canal?

Answer 7

Anterior presentation
Dorsal-sacral position
Both forelimbs and head extended (posture)

Question 8

Fetal Causes of Dystocia

Answer 8

Abnormal presentation, position, posture
Developmental abnormalities
Dead or sick fetus

Question 9

Obstructive Causes of Dystocia

Answer 9

Fetal-maternal mismatch (fetus too large, dam too small)
Maternal pathology (pelvic fracture, failure of cervical dilation)
Abnormalities of orientation

Question 10

Define: Uterine Intertia

Answer 10

Failure of effective first or second stage labor

Question 11

Define: Primary Uterine Inertia

Answer 11

Failure to initiate labor

Question 12

Define: Secondary Uterine Inertia

Answer 12

Uterine fatigue following prolonged labor

Question 13

Define: Mutation

Answer 13

Process by which a fetus is returned to a normal presentation, position, or posture

Question 14

Define: Repulsion

Answer 14

Pushing the fetus cranially out of the maternal pelvic canal into the abdominal cavity where more space is available for manipulation

Question 15

Define: Rotation

Answer 15

Turning a fetus on its long axis (i.e. to move the hips of a calf fetus to take advantage of the widest pelvic diameter to prevent ‘hip-lock’)

Question 16

Define: Version

Answer 16

Rotating of a fetus perpendicular to its long axis to correct a transverse presentation (i.e. into a cranial or caudal presentation)
Very difficult

Question 17

Force: Obstetrical Intervention

Answer 17

“Force of 2 people”

Question 18

What are the 5 indications for extraction?

Answer 18

Uterine inertia
Fetus not entering birth canal
Epidural/GA
Large fetus
Fetotomy

Question 19

What are the 3 contraindications for extraction?

Answer 19

Abnormal presentation, position, or posture
Excessively large or deformed fetuses
Excessively small/stenotic cervix or small birth canal

Question 20

Define: Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Answer 20

Vaginal delivery with the dam awake and either standing or recumbent
Sedation, epidural (if needed)

Question 21

Define: Controlled Vaginal Delivery

Answer 21

Vaginal delivery with the dam under general anesthesia
Reduces straining, allows for repositioning of fetus
Can evaluate hindquarters to reposition fetus
No uterine contractions

Question 22

What are 4 ways to determine fetal movement?

Answer 22

Finger in mouth = suckling response
Pinch tongue
Pressure on eye
Pinch node

Question 23

What are 2 ways to detect fetal pulse?

Answer 23

Umbilical cord (pulsation)
Heartbeat (hand on chest)