Lambing Problems

Question 1

Foetal Dystocia

Answer 1

Positional: where foetus spinal cord is in relation to the dorsal surface of birth canal.

Postural: where limbs are

Foeral oversize

Question 2

Treatment of Dystocia

Answer 2

lots of lube
manipulation into correct position
ropes
gentle traction

Question 3

Incomplete cervical dilation (ringwomb)

Answer 3

failure of cervix to dilate >5cm within 2 hours onset of 2nd stage labour

Question 4

Causes of ringwomb

Answer 4

premature birthing
disturbance during first stage labour
malpresentation
calcium deficiency
exogenous oestogens (fungi)

Question 5

Treatment of ringwomb

Answer 5

manual dilation
hormonal (protaglandin)
caesarean

Question 6

Uterine torsion

Answer 6

signs: restless ewe ± straining

uterus has flipped over so can’t do vaginal examination

Question 7

Treatment of uterine torsion

Answer 7

cast and roll ewe then allow time for cervix to dilate

caesarean

Question 8

Prepubic Tendon Rupture

Answer 8

Predisposed: older multigravid ewes in late pregnancy

They have difficulty moving/feeding and are prone to pregnancy toxaemia

signs:
swelling of lower left abdomen, cranial to pubis
extensive ventral oedema; ventral displacement of uterus

Treatment: Assistance lambing and euthanasia

Question 9

Different types of prolapses

Answer 9

Vaginal
Intestinal
Uterine
Post parturient vaginal prolapse

Question 10

Vaginal prolapse:

• when
• differences

Answer 10

• occurs last 4 weeks of pregnancy
• extent varies: may be total eversion of uterus & vagina and even bladder
• when bladder is involved you get urinary retention and uraemia: if uncorrected you get infection, necrosis and death

Question 11

Predisposing causes of vaginal prolapse (8)

Answer 11

• certain breeds
• multiple foetuses
• older ewes
• bulky feed
• excessive body condition
• lack of exercise
• steep sloping fields
• tail docking (illegal)

Question 12

Treatment of Vaginal Prolapse

Answer 12

SURGICAL:
-sacroccoccygeal epidural: 1.8ml 2% lignocaine & 0.2ml 2% xylazine (same syringe)
-clean prolapsed tissue (Iodide not hibiscrub!)
-replace with gentle, persistent pressure
-suture vulval lips together
-Abs and NSAIDs
CLOSE SUPERVISION REQUIRED OR DEAD LAMB

-plastic retention device

cull ewe: it will happen again

Question 13

Intestinal Prolapse

Answer 13

sporadic evisceration of intestines, caecum, omentum through dorsal vaginal tear

euthanise.

Question 14

Uterine prolapse

Answer 14

sporadic: often 12-48hrs after lambing

• postition ewe with frog legs
• replace prolapse, ensuring full inversion of uterus
• ABs (3-5 days), NSAIDs and Calcium

Question 15

Post parturient prolapse

Answer 15

up to 4 weeks after lambing

Question 16

Metritis

• causes
• CS (5)
• Treatment

Answer 16

caused by environmental bacteria (unhygienic lambing interventions/some infectious cause of abortion)

clinical signs

• depression
• inappetence
• congested MM
• vulval swelling/discharge
• decreased milk production

Treatment:

• parenternal ABs
• NSAIDs

NO STEROIDS

Question 17

Mastitis

• causes (5)
• CS (4)

Answer 17

causes:

• mannhemia haemolytica
• staph aureus
• step
• Ecoli
• maedi-visna virus

clinical signs:

• inappetence
• lame on hindlimb
• noisy, hungry lambs
• hard, swollen, painful udder

Question 18

Mastits treatment

Answer 18

lumpy case: 10mg/kg tilmicosin &NSAIDs

gangrenous case: euthanise