Incorrect presentation of the fetus in a cow during childbirth: pathologies and what to do

In itself, malpresentation of the fetus in calf cows during childbirth is not something abnormal. The same thing happens to human babies. In general, difficulties depend on the anatomical features of both the calf and the mother. For a quick response, you need to be a little bit of a veterinarian, to navigate the nuances of the physique of cattle, the features of the birth process in a cow.

Causes of pathological childbirth

The normal course of childbirth in cattle depends on the ratio of the size of the cub in the widest places (head, sternum, pelvis) and the corresponding parameters of the woman in labor.With a narrow pelvis in a cow, the calf will inevitably get stuck. The orientation of the calf also influences how it is placed in the womb. It is considered normal if the cub is in a longitudinal (along the body) position. In this case, the back is pressed against the lower (lateral) wall of the abdominal cavity, and the legs are bent to the tummy.

Immediately before birth, the situation changes, the cub must take a certain position, move towards the birth canal. It is considered normal if:

1. The calf moves head forward, with its front legs extended towards the “exit”. The back looks up towards the spine of the cow.
2. The calf walks along the tracks with its hind legs forward, hooves turned up.

Accordingly, cases are recognized as incorrect, pathological, in which the cub is not presented as indicated in these options. Combinations of placement of the head with the forelimbs (head location), hind limbs (pelvic) are possible.In addition, the calf can lie sideways, upright, across.

Simultaneous entry into the pelvic region of 2 calves, too large a calf will also lead to problems. These were reasons directly related to the fetus.

Maternal related pathologies include:

• too strong (weak) contractions;
• poor cervical dilatation;
• dryness (lack of natural moisture) of the birth canal.

All together this leads to complications of labor in cattle.

Cows in childbirth

Before you begin to provide assistance, you should prepare the required equipment, tools, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. To treat the vagina, a weak, slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate is used. Vaseline (boric), ichthyol ointment is used as a lubricant.

Before you start, you need to know exactly the location of the calf. It is also required to collect as much information about the cow as possible: this will allow you to take action, prepare medicines in advance, and prevent possible complications. The tail, so as not to interfere, is taken aside, gently but securely tied to the cow's neck.

The anus is cleaned from feces with an enema (by hand). A large fruit will have to be pulled with assistants. The calf is first brought to its normal position. To do this, use rope loops, tongs, sticks.

Possible Complications

Among the various options, there are cases with an incorrect location of the head, limbs, presentation. Most often it is:

1. Turning the head to the side. It is corrected by imposing loops on the front legs with the direction of the cub in the uterus with a stick. You should carefully pull the neck, head to the exit from the pelvis, working with the hand and loops (hooks).
2. Lowering the head. The girth of the lower part is used with the raising of the fetal head. It is necessary to turn the cub in such a way as to straighten the position, place it with the help of a loop in the direction of the exit from the pelvis.
3. Tilting the head back. Loops, hand straighten the pathology, sometimes using a stick.

If it is impossible to painlessly extract a large fetus, it is dissected, followed by release in parts from the uterine cavity. In particularly difficult cases, a caesarean section is performed, dissecting the abdominal wall. Both of these operations, due to responsibility, the presence of specific skills, are carried out by a veterinarian.

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