In itself, the malpresentation of the fetus in calving cows during childbirth is not something abnormal. The same thing happens in human babies. In general, difficulties depend on the anatomical features of both the calf and the mother. To respond quickly, you need to be a bit of a veterinarian, to be familiar with the nuances of the cattle’s physique, and the peculiarities of the birth process in a cow.
Causes of pathological childbirth
The normal course of labor in cattle depends on the ratio of the size of the baby in the widest places (head, sternum, pelvis) and the corresponding parameters of the woman in labor.If the cow has a narrow pelvis, 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 baby is in a longitudinal (along the body) position. In this case, the back is pressed against the lower (side) wall of the abdominal cavity, and the legs are bent to the tummy.
Immediately before birth, the situation changes; the baby must take a certain position and move towards the birth canal. It is considered normal if:
- The calf moves head first, with its front legs extended towards the “exit”. The back looks up towards the cow's backbone.
- The calf walks along the tracks with its hind legs forward, its hooves turned up.
Accordingly, cases in which the baby is presented differently than indicated in these options are considered incorrect and pathological. Combinations of placement of the head with the forelimbs (head position) and hind limbs (pelvic position) are possible. In addition, the calf can lie sideways, vertically, across.
Simultaneous entry of 2 calves into the pelvic area, too large a calf will also lead to problems. These were reasons directly related to the fetus.
Pathologies associated with the mother include:
- too strong (weak) contractions;
- poor cervical dilatation;
- dryness (lack of natural moisture) of the birth canal.
All together this leads to complications of childbirth in cattle.
Obstetrics in cows
Before you begin to provide assistance, you should prepare the required equipment, tools, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap. To treat the vagina, a weak, slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate is used. Vaseline (boric) and ichthyol ointment are used as a lubricant.
The anus is cleaned of feces using an enema (by hand). Large fruit will have to be pulled with helpers. The calf is first brought to its normal position. To do this, use rope loops, tongs, and hooks.
Possible complications
Among the various options, there are cases with incorrect positioning of the head, limbs, and presentation. Most often this is:
- Turning the head to the side. It is corrected by placing loops on the front legs and directing the baby into the uterus with a stick. You should carefully pull your neck and head towards the outlet of the pelvis, working with your hand and loops (hooks).
- Lowering the head. The girth of the lower part is used to lift the fetal head. It is necessary to turn the baby in such a way as to straighten the position and place it using a loop in the direction of the exit from the pelvis.
- Throwing the head back. The pathology is corrected with loops and by hand, sometimes using a stick.
If it is impossible to painlessly remove a large fetus, it is dissected and then released piece by piece from the uterine cavity. In particularly difficult cases, a caesarean section is performed by cutting the abdominal wall. Both of these operations, due to responsibility and the presence of specific skills, are performed by a veterinarian.
