A Case Report on Surgical Management of Dystocia in Heifers Due to Narrow Pelvis and Immaturity.
Pelvic abnormalities, vulvar or vaginal stenosis, neoplasms of the vagina and vulva, vaginal cystocele, inadequate cervical dilatation, uterine torsion, and ventral displacement of the uterus can all cause constriction/obstruction of the birth canal. Small pelvis, exostoses or pelvic deformities,
pelvic fracture, osteomalacia, and hypoplasia of the vagina and vulva are some of common pelvic abnormalities that can cause dystocia. Hereditary reasons of pelvic defects, such as tiny size
and insufficient pelvic ligament development, or small breeds with outsized fetuses, are other causes of dystocia due to a narrow or defective pelvis.
The rate of occurrence of dystocia is closely related to the maturity of the dam. When a heifer can give birth to a calf without assistance, however, it is common to notice that labor lasts longer than in older cows. Early heifer breeding, breeding of underdeveloped heifers, and breeding of heifers and calves with pelvic fractures can result in a smaller mother’s pelvis, resulting in dystocia at parturition.
The dimensions of bony pelvis are too small to allow passage of the fetus. In such dystocia, parturition may not proceed over first stage, as the chances of calf being struck in the pelvic inlet are more. Surgical intervention is the only way to opt for delivering the calf, as forced traction may endanger life of both dam and calf. There are various reasons for performing a caesarean section (C-Section), including maternal and fetal reasons.
Vet Med Open J. 2022; 7(1): 12-15. doi: 10.17140/VMOJ-7-162
