Post-Calving Care of the Dam Retained fetal membranes Uterine prolapse Trauma and infection of uterus Metabolic disorders “Milk Fever”

Post-calving vaginal exams in the cows This procedure should be considered in all dystocia cases in order to detect if another calf is present or if there is trauma to the reproductive tract. Vaginal exams may not be necessary in cows that have calved on their own as trauma in these cows is uncommon.

Monitor for retained fetal membranes The fetal membranes (placenta) should be expelled 2-8 hours after calving. However, they are not considered retained until 12 hours after calving. As a rule of thumb you should not manually remove the membranes, as this can be detrimental to future reproductive performance

retained fetal membranes When systemic signs of illness are present, systemic treatment with antimicrobials and NSAID is indicated

Watch for uterine prolapse Prolapse of the uterus occurs in stage 3 of calving. This may occur as a result of excessive force of delivery or uterine inertia (the uterus stops contracting) due to metabolic problems (i.e. Milk Fever). Uterine prolapse may occur within a couple of hours or a couple of days after a normal calving

The signs of this condition are obvious

Ewe uterine prolapse The etiology is unclear and occurrence is sporadic. Recumbency with the hindquarters lower than the forequarters, invagination of the tip of the uterus, excessive traction to relieve dystocia or retained fetal membranes, uterine atony, hypocalcemia, and lack of exercise have all been incriminated as contributory causes

Prolapse In cows, treatment involves removing the placenta (if still attached), thoroughly cleaning the endometrial surface, and repairing any lacerations. Rubbing the surface of the uterus with glycerol helps reduce edema and provides lubrication. The uterus is then returned to its normal position. An epidural anesthetic should be administered first. If the cow is standing, the cleansed uterus should be elevated to the level of the vulva on a tray or hammock supported by assistants

Parturient Paresis “Milk Fever” Parturient paresis is an acute to peracute, afebrile, flaccid paralysis of mature dairy cows that occurs most commonly at or soon after parturition. It is manifest by changes in mentation, generalized paresis, and circulatory collapse.

Etiology At or near the time of parturition, the onset of lactation results in the sudden loss of calcium into milk. Serum calcium levels decline from a normal of mg/dL to 2-7 mg/dL.

Clinical Findings and Diagnosis: Parturient paresis usually occurs within 72 hr of parturition. The disease can contribute to dystocia, uterine prolapse, retained fetal membranes, metritis, abomasal displacement, and mastitis. Differential diagnoses include toxic mastitis, toxic metritis, other systemic toxic conditions, traumatic injury (eg, stifle injury, coxofemoral luxation, fractured pelvis, spinal compression), calving paralysis syndrome

Sheep In early hypocalcemia, a stiff gait or ataxia, tremors, tetany, constipation, and/or depressed rumen motility are seen. As the disease progresses, signs include increased heart and respiratory rates, regurgitation of rumen contents, bloat, depression, and eventually, if untreated, opisthotonos and/or death.

Treatment: Treatment is directed toward restoring normal serum calcium levels as soon as possible to avoid muscular and nervous damage and recumbency. Recommended treatment is IV injection of a calcium gluconate salt, although SC and IP routes are also used. A general rule for dosing is 1 g calcium/45 kg (100 lb) body wt. Most solutions are available in single-dose, 500 mL bottles that contain g calcium.

Prevention: Historically, prevention of parturient paresis was approached by feeding low-calcium diets during the dry period to stimulate intestinal absorption and enhance skeletal resorption prior to the sudden demand for calcium at the onset of lactation

Cesarean section