F113
Calving Problems (Dystocia)

Introduction: A basic understanding of the stages, progression, and positions of a normal birth is essential.

  1. Stage 1:
  1. Visible signs of early labor may or may not be seen in mature cows. First calf heifers are more likely to show signs such as wanting isolation, discomfort, uneasiness, kicking, and wringing the tail. There may also be some vaginal discharge and obvious uterine contractions.
  2. This stage lasts 2-6 hours and may be longer in heifers.
  3. Stage 1 ends with the fetal parts entering the birth canal.
  1. Stage 2:
  1. Visible signs of second stage labor include appearance of the water sac, and evidence of a foot or leg.
  2. This stage lasts from ½ to 4 hours.
  3. Stage 2 ends with birth of the calf.
  1. Stage 3:
  1. This stage is where the placenta or fetal membranes are passed.

 

When to give assistance:
  1. If an animal is in stage 1 of labor for longer than 8 hours.
  2. If in stage 2, any of the following occurs:
  1. The cow has been straining for 30 minutes with no progress.
  2. The water sac is observed for longer than 1 hour and the animal is not trying to push.
  3. The animal is showing signs of severe distress or fatigue, including bleeding from the rectum of the cow or a swollen tongue of the calf.
  1. It can visually be determined that the calf is coming in an abnormal way. (You see 3 or more feet, the tail, etc.)
  2. If the fetal membranes have not passed within 12 hours after delivery.

 

Once it has been determined that an animal is having difficulty, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Clean the vulva, anus, and surrounding areas with dilute Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan) or soapy water, removing all dirt and manure. Begin soaking sleeves and equipment in a bucket of dilute Chlorhexidine.
  2. Determine the presentation, position, and posture of the fetus. This can be aided by referring to the following descriptions and pictures.
  1. Presentation - This refers to whether the calf is coming head first, backwards or sideways.
  2. Position - This refers to whether the calf is right-side up or upside-down.
  3. Posture - This refers to where the calf’s legs are in relation to its body.
Figure 1
  1. It should be determined if the front or hind legs are coming through the birth canal. This is done by understanding that the joints on the front limbs flex in the same direction. The joints on the hind limb, however, flex opposite of each other. In the case of twins, any combination of front and hind limbs may be present.
  2. One of the criteria for making a plan of action involves determining if the calf is alive or dead. This is done by:
  1. Pinching between the toes and having the calf pull away.
  2. Placing a finger in the mouth and feeling the calf suckle.
  3. Gently poking the eye - the calf usually moves its head.
  4. Checking rectal tone by placing a finger in the rectum - the tissue around the finger should contract.

Note:
  • A dead calf may be more easily removed by having a veterinarian perform a fetotomy. This method may also be safer for the cow.
  • A dead calf, if not removed within hours, will severely compromise the health of the mother.
  • Severely swollen, fluid filled calves usually require professional help to remove.
  • A weak, yet live calf, needs fast removal. This may mean a Cesarean section.
  1. Immediately seek professional help if any of the following arise:
  1. No progress is made with 30 minutes of skilled effort to correct the problem.
  2. After a few attempts, the exact presentation, position, and posture cannot be determined.
  3. The calf is dead, swollen and/or dry, with the uterus contracted around the body of the calf.

 

Routine Deliveries

Delivery of a calf in normal presentation, position, and posture using chains/handles or a calf puller:
  1. Clean the vulva and surrounding area and use a lubricant (J-Lube, etc.). Use sleeves and equipment soaked in Nolvasan (Chlorhexidine) on both arms to reduce contamination. Additional suggestions are found on the following page.
  2. Chains or straps should be placed on both front legs with one loop of the chain/strap above the first joint (fetlock) and a half hitch between the fetlock and the hoof.
  3. If the cow is down, traction should first be placed on the calf’s lower limb (If the cow is standing, place traction on either limb). The shoulder of this limb should be pulled through the birth canal. Oftentimes it is possible to feel the shoulder come through the birth canal or note that the first joint (fetlock) is about one hand width outside of the vulva. Traction should then be placed on the opposite leg and the shoulder pulled through the birth canal. If the second shoulder cannot be pulled into the birth canal, a Cesarean section may be necessary.
  4. Once both shoulders are through the canal, pressure can be placed on both limbs and the calf pulled until the chest is outside of the cow’s pelvis. Frequently, this is where the umbilical cord is compressed and the calf struggles to breathe. The cow often takes a break at this point.
  5. If the calf is fairly large, it should be rotated 45-90 degrees, allowing the widest part of the calf (the hips from side-to-side) to pass more readily through the widest part of the mother’s pelvis (see figure 2). Rotation of the calf is accomplished by crossing the legs and applying pressure to the upper limb and body while rotating.

  1. When pulling the front legs and head, the pressure should come from directly behind the cow in a slightly downward direction. If the calf has been rotated to remove the pelvis, the pressure should be applied in a slightly upward direction toward the tail of the mother.

 

Delivery of a calf that is coming backward, but in normal position and posture:

  1. The calf should be rotated 45-90 degrees before attempting to remove it.
  2. Traction should be applied from directly behind the cow in a slightly upward direction (towards the tail of the mother) until the calf’s hips are removed.
  3. At this point the calf can be rotated back to normal and removed routinely.

 

Abnormal Presentations, Positions, and Postures

Normal presentation and position, except one or both front legs are retained:
   
  1. With one hand, try to cup the end of the hoof on the leg(s) that is retained. This will protect the uterus and allow the limb to be pulled towards the pelvis. Sometimes a chain can be placed on the retained limb for extra control.
    2.
  2. If more space is required, one hand can be placed on the chest or head of the calf.  Then while pushing the calf back into the pelvis, the other hand can be used to cup and pull the retained limb into the pelvis.

 

Two front legs are coming through the pelvis, but the head is turned back:

   
  1. The head can be turned to either side, straight behind or even down between the legs.
  1. A calf in this position is often dead or very weak.
  1. Once the position of the head is identified, the head should be grasped. Oftentimes, gently placing your fingers in the eye sockets or mouth will help give some control. The head can then be gently manipulated into the proper position.
  1. For extra control, a head snare or a loop of sterilized rope can be attached to the calf’s mouth and around the pole of its head.
  1. It may also be necessary to push the calf’s body back into the uterus with one hand while positioning the head with the other. This allows that little bit of extra room that is often necessary.

 

Normal presentation, but upside down and leg(s) retained:

  1. Both front legs should be identified and pulled out of the vagina using the techniques found in the previous pages.
    2.
  2. Once the legs are accessible, the calf is rotated to normal position by crossing the legs and placing pressure on the upper leg and shoulders, while rotating.
  3. The head should also be held and rotated along with the body.
  4. Once the calf is properly positioned, it can be removed routinely.

 

Backward presentation and upside down:
  1. Same as above once both legs are accessible.

 

Backward presentation, both legs retained (breech):
  1. First, pull the hock of one leg into a flexed position.
    2.
  2. Then, take one hand and force that hock upwards and forward.
  3. The other hand is used to cup the hoof of that leg and pull the foot towards the middle of the calf and backwards.
  4. Often, it is helpful to use an arm or a sterilized toilet plunger to push the rump of the calf back, while trying these manipulations.
  5. The same technique is used to reposition the opposite leg.
  6. Once both legs are exposed the calf can be delivered routinely.
    7.

 

Four Legs in the Birth Canal:

  1. Make sure the legs are all from the same calf.
    2.
  2. If all 4 limbs are from the same calf, deliver the hind legs first. Delivering the hind legs first will allow the head to follow naturally. (The calf in the above picture should probably be delivered head first.)
  3. Rotate the calf if necessary, using the information found on the previous pages.

 

Delivering Twins:
  1. Identify the limbs associated with each calf. (Many times one comes backward and one head first).
  2. Try and remove the calf coming backward first, unless one calf is definitely in front of the other.
  3. It may be necessary to push one calf back, while removing the other.

 

Common Mistakes:
  1. Allowing the cow to be in labor too long before giving assistance.
  1. Check cows often. Intervene if no progress is being made.
  1. Trying to deliver a calf that is in an abnormal position without first correcting the problem. Never apply traction to a calf with the head or leg back without first correcting the problem.
  2. Applying too much traction. No more force than the equivalent of two people manually pulling should ever be used.

* When questions arise, consult a veterinarian!