Changes

Early intervention minimises the effects of dystocia on calves. Cows, and especially heifers should be monitored regularly and provided with assistance promptly if '''stage 2 labour is prolonged''', ie more than an hour.

Early intervention minimises the effects of dystocia on calves. Cows, and especially heifers should be monitored regularly and provided with assistance promptly if '''stage 2 labour is prolonged''', ie more than an hour.

==Clinical approach to dystocia in cattle==

==Clinical Approach==

A thorough '''history''' should establish the length of gestation, parity, and problems seen during pregnancy. Also find out when the animal started straining and if any water or fluid bags have appeared.

A thorough '''history''' should establish the length of gestation, parity, and problems seen during pregnancy. Also find out when the animal started straining and if any water or fluid bags have appeared.

'''Manual correction of dystocia''': relies on traction to facilitate expulsion, repulsion of the foetus back into the uterine lumen to enable further manipulation, and extension of the foetal extremities.

'''Manual correction of dystocia''': relies on traction to facilitate expulsion, repulsion of the foetus back into the uterine lumen to enable further manipulation, and extension of the foetal extremities.

Ropes can be applied to both legs and the head and traction applied whilst manually dilating the vagine and vulva.  

Ropes can be applied to both legs and the head and traction applied whilst manually dilating the vagina and vulva.  

If the foetus is too large to be delivered vaginally, a '''caesarean operation''' or a '''foetotomy''' should be performed.

If the foetus is too large to be delivered vaginally, a '''caesarean operation''' or a '''foetotomy''' should be performed.

==Prevention of dystocia in cattle==

==Prevention==

Foetomaternal disproportion is one of the major contributors to dystocia, and this can be prevented with proper reproductive management.

Foetomaternal disproportion is one of the major contributors to dystocia, and this can be prevented with proper reproductive management.

===Replacement heifer development===

===Replacement Heifer Development===

'''Nutrition''' should be maintained in heifers to allow modest rates of gain over the pregnancy period. Restricting food in the late stages of pregnancy does not prevent a large calf and leads to a weak labour and increased dystocia rates.

'''Nutrition''' should be maintained in heifers to allow modest rates of gain over the pregnancy period. Restricting food in the late stages of pregnancy does not prevent a large calf and leads to a weak labour and increased dystocia rates.

It is important to ensure heifers are '''well-grown''' and calve down at 2 years of age at the earliest.

It is important to ensure heifers are '''well-grown''' and calve down at 2 years of age at the earliest.

===Sire selection===

===Sire Selection===

Sires can be selected for '''ease of calving''' and estimated birth weights. Many non-genetic factors influence birth weight, such as age of the dam and environment, and so genetic selection is not a fool-proof method of avoiding dystocia.

Sires can be selected for '''ease of calving''' and estimated birth weights. Many non-genetic factors influence birth weight, such as age of the dam and environment, and so genetic selection is not a fool-proof method of avoiding dystocia.

===Early intervetion===

===Early Intervetion===

Not all dystocia can be prevented, such as malpresentations, and '''early intervention''' is paramount in ensuring a live birth.

Not all dystocia can be prevented, such as malpresentations, and '''early intervention''' is paramount in ensuring a live birth.

Farm workers need to be trained to deal with a dystocia and recognise when '''further help is needed'''. A delay in assisting may mean the loss of the calf or injury and even death of the cow. However, it is important to allow sufficient time for the dam to dilate before applying traction.

Farm workers need to be trained to deal with a dystocia and recognise when further help is needed. A delay in assisting may mean the loss of the calf or injury and even death of the cow. However, it is important to allow sufficient time for the dam to dilate before applying traction.

==Post-partum complications==

==Post-partum Complications==

Dystocia leads to an increased risk of post-partum complications in cattle, such as:

Dystocia leads to an increased risk of post-partum complications in cattle, such as:

Frame, N. (2006) '''Management of dystocia in cattle''' ''In Practice'' 28:470-476

Frame, N. (2006) '''Management of dystocia in cattle''' ''In Practice'' 28:470-476

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

[[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Farm Animal]]