Pre-partum Conditions and Approach to the Normal Calving

Question 1

When does vaginal prolapse occur

Answer 1

Last trimester

Question 2

Risk factors for vaginal prolapse

Answer 2

Breed (Hereford)
BCS (fat)
Lax sacrotuberous ligaments/vulva
Previous perineal trauma
(oestrogenic pastures)

Question 3

Should I cull a cow with vaginal prolapse

Answer 3

Highly repeatable: Cull

Question 4

Outline grading system for vaginal prolapse

Answer 4

1. Intermittent only when cow lying down, vaginal tissue fine
2. Continuous prolapse, urinary bladder might be trapped
3. Continuous prolapse, urinary bladder trapped, tissue starts to be compromised
4. As above but include cervix, tissue infected, necrotic and sepsis/peritonitis possible

Question 5

Correction for vaginal prolapse

Answer 5

Caudal epidural
Asses viability of tissue*
Clean and apply plenty lube
Replace back into vagina
Buhner’s stitch with uterine tape
2-3 fingers wide (need to pass U+)
Easy knot (so can undue)
NSAID, broad spectrum abs

Question 6

What is hydrops Hydrallantois*/Hydramnios

Answer 6

Increased production/accumulation fluid
Hydrallantois - allantoic sac (outside)
Associated with placental disease

Question 7

When does Hydrops occur

Answer 7

3rd trimester, acute

Question 8

Clinical signs of hydrops

Answer 8

Distended abd, +/- systemic signs, down, prepubic tendon rupture

Question 9

Treatment for hydrops

Answer 9

Elective c section or induce

Question 10

Prognosis for hydrops

Answer 10

Poor, cull

Question 11

Gestation period of cow

Answer 11

280 days (+/- 10 days ) around 9 months

Question 12

Early embryonic death

Answer 12

Death 0 – 17 days

Question 13

Late embryonic death

Answer 13

Death 17 – 42 days

Question 14

Abortion/foetal death

Answer 14

Death 42 – 270 days

Question 15

Still born

Answer 15

Born dead after 270 days of gestation *

Question 16

Neonatal death

Answer 16

Neonatal death

Question 17

Perinatal mortality

Answer 17

Death 270 days to 2 days post calving

Question 18

Outline if abortion needs to be reported in cows

Answer 18

Beef – all abortions
Diary – aborted cws that are not screened by regular herd bulk milk samples

Question 19

How many stages are there in normal calving

Answer 19

2 stages

Question 20

Describe the 1st stage in normal calving

Answer 20

1st stage (variable time 0 – 24 hours)
Uterine contractions (not visible on outside, opens cervix and moves calf)
Behavioural changes
Tail head raises up and swishing tail etc

Question 21

Describe the 2nd stage in normal calving

Answer 21

2nd stage (30 mins to 4 hours)
Water bag appears (marks the start of 2nd stage)
Abdominal contractions +++ (visible and cow may vocalise, caused by pressure from calf in pelvis, if don’t happen, calf is stuck somehow as hasn’t made it to pelvis)
Feet (should see some progress every 20 minutes)
Calf born (should be within 1.5 hours of water bag)

Question 22

What is the long rotating stick that you use to calf called

Answer 22

Gyn stick

Question 23

Calving in general - Drugs to help you

Answer 23

Local anaesthesia Epidural (No adrenaline ideally)

Clenbuterol (Planipart ®) 10ml slow IV
Relaxes uterus (Beta 2 agonist)
Gives space for correcting mal-presentation (pushing back)
C section – delays involution, stitching easier
Delays calving (highlands and islands)

Oxytocin (Oxytocin S®) 1-4ml IM
+ Uterine contractions
Reverse Clenbuterol
Post calving haemorrhage
Milk let down