Lecture 14: Bovine Obstetrics (Galvao)

Question 1

First stage of labor

Answer 1

2-6 hours

• calf rotates to upright position
• uterine contractions begin
• restless
• tail raised
• isolated from herd
• usually lasts longer in heifers

Question 2

beginning of stage 2 is marked by:

Answer 2

chorioallantois breaks (usually not seen) - watery brown/yellow fluid

Question 3

2nd stage of labor

Answer 3

15-90 min. (avg.45) (similar in cows/heifers)

• fetus enters birth canal
• front feet and head protrud first
• calf delivery completed

Question 4

2nd membrane to break

Answer 4

amnion (thick, clear-white fluid)

-lubricates birth canal

Question 5

avg. interval b/w rupture of chorioallantois and ammnion

Answer 5

15 min.

Question 6

3rd stage of labor***

Answer 6

2-12hrs (>12 hrs considered retained***)

• cleaning/expulsion of fetal membranes
• no muscular tissue in placentome, immune system, collagenase break down connection b/w cotyledon and caruncle
• uterine contraction

Question 7

do exogenous collagenase or oxytocin help expel RFM?

Answer 7

collagenase-yes.

oxytocin-no (need to be broken down first)

Question 8

eutocia

Answer 8

normal calving

Question 9

dystocia

Answer 9

calving difficulty; an interruption of the normal calf delivery process

Question 10

major cause of calf loss in dairy industry

Answer 10

dystocia (50% of calf mortality)

Question 11

overall dystocia incidence

Answer 11

5-10%

Question 12

what percent of dystocias occur at first calving?

Answer 12

50%

Question 13

cost of dystocia

Answer 13

> $400 million annually in US beef and dairy

-$168 per case

Question 14

main causes of dystocia

Answer 14

1. size disproportion b/w calf and dam
2. abnormal presentation, position, or posture of the calf
3. twin calves (6% in dairy)
4. abnormal calves (monsters)
5. other: weather, metabolic problems such as hypocalcemia (Ca activates immune system)

Question 15

Components of OB exam

Answer 15

Hx: 
-breeding date, sire, previous parturition, presenting signs and complaint, how long in labor, any assistance rendered
PE: (i.e. any signs of hypocalcemia)
Vaginal Exam (preferably while standing)
*be clean and lubricate!*

Question 16

J-lube can induce what if in abdominal cavity

Answer 16

peritonitis

Question 17

components of vaginal exam

Answer 17

examine fetus to determine:

• alive/dead
• presentation
• position
• posture
• no assistance, assistance per vaginam, C-section, or fetotomy needed?

Question 18

presentation

Answer 18

the relation of the spinal axis of the fetus to that of the dam.
-can be anterior or posterior longitudinal, or dorsal or ventral transverse

Question 19

position

Answer 19

relationship of the dorsum of the fetus in longitudinal, or the head in transverse presentation, to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis (sacrum, R ileum, pubis, L ileum)
-designated first with the dorsum of the fetus (i.e. dorso-sacral, dorso pubis, dorso left ileal, dorso right ileal

Question 20

hip lock

Answer 20

when fetus hips become rotated and get stuck on maternal pelvis and can’t exit birth canal
-prevent by rotation during extraction

Question 21

things do do after delivery

Answer 21

systemic approach:

1) Calf: check for respiration
2) Cow: check for twins, tears in vulva, vagina, cervix/uterus, metabolic problems (milk fever), +/- oxytocin to achieve small peristalsis waves
3) Calf: dip navel, give colostrum

Question 22

posture

Answer 22

the relationship of the fetal extremities (head, neck, or limbs) to its own body. Can be flexed, extended, retained beneath, left or right of the fetus

Question 23

how to determine if calf is alive or dead in anterior presentation

Answer 23

swallowing reflex
pedal reflex
blinking reflex

Question 24

how to determine if calf is alive/dead in posterior presentation

Answer 24

pedal reflex
anal reflex
pulsating umbilical cord

Question 25

plans for delivery

Answer 25

per vaginam using repelling, mutation, manual or forced extraction
fetotomy
C-section
must follow guidelines!

Question 26

How to solve problems w/ excessive force and hygiene

Answer 26

• use clean pasture w/shade
• maternity pens
• proper assistance of vet or producer

Question 27

see slide 29

Answer 27

:)

Question 28

if pasterns 10-15cm beyond vulva:**

Answer 28

anterior presentation and points of shoulder will have passed iliac shafts and delivery per vaginam is possible.

Question 29

if both hocks appear at the vulva:**

Answer 29

greater trochanters will have passed the iliac shafts - delivery per vaginam possible

Question 30

do fetotomy only if calf dead

Answer 30

:(

Question 31

see slides 34,35

Answer 31

:)