Lecture 14: Bovine Obstetrics (Galvao) Flashcards
First stage of labor
2-6 hours
- calf rotates to upright position
- uterine contractions begin
- restless
- tail raised
- isolated from herd
- usually lasts longer in heifers
beginning of stage 2 is marked by:
chorioallantois breaks (usually not seen) - watery brown/yellow fluid
2nd stage of labor
15-90 min. (avg.45) (similar in cows/heifers)
- fetus enters birth canal
- front feet and head protrud first
- calf delivery completed
2nd membrane to break
amnion (thick, clear-white fluid)
-lubricates birth canal
avg. interval b/w rupture of chorioallantois and ammnion
15 min.
3rd stage of labor***
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
do exogenous collagenase or oxytocin help expel RFM?
collagenase-yes.
oxytocin-no (need to be broken down first)
eutocia
normal calving
dystocia
calving difficulty; an interruption of the normal calf delivery process
major cause of calf loss in dairy industry
dystocia (50% of calf mortality)
overall dystocia incidence
5-10%
what percent of dystocias occur at first calving?
50%
cost of dystocia
> $400 million annually in US beef and dairy
-$168 per case
main causes of dystocia
- size disproportion b/w calf and dam
- abnormal presentation, position, or posture of the calf
- twin calves (6% in dairy)
- abnormal calves (monsters)
- other: weather, metabolic problems such as hypocalcemia (Ca activates immune system)
Components of OB exam
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!*
J-lube can induce what if in abdominal cavity
peritonitis
components of vaginal exam
examine fetus to determine:
- alive/dead
- presentation
- position
- posture
- no assistance, assistance per vaginam, C-section, or fetotomy needed?
presentation
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
position
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
hip lock
when fetus hips become rotated and get stuck on maternal pelvis and can’t exit birth canal
-prevent by rotation during extraction
things do do after delivery
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
posture
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
how to determine if calf is alive or dead in anterior presentation
swallowing reflex
pedal reflex
blinking reflex
how to determine if calf is alive/dead in posterior presentation
pedal reflex
anal reflex
pulsating umbilical cord
plans for delivery
per vaginam using repelling, mutation, manual or forced extraction
fetotomy
C-section
must follow guidelines!
How to solve problems w/ excessive force and hygiene
- use clean pasture w/shade
- maternity pens
- proper assistance of vet or producer
see slide 29
:)
if pasterns 10-15cm beyond vulva:**
anterior presentation and points of shoulder will have passed iliac shafts and delivery per vaginam is possible.
if both hocks appear at the vulva:**
greater trochanters will have passed the iliac shafts - delivery per vaginam possible
do fetotomy only if calf dead
:(
see slides 34,35
:)
