Cause Of Dystocia Research Articles

Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia

BackgroundDystocia is rare in horses, but is life-threatening for mares and foals. Therefore, veterinary research depends on up-to-date data to optimise equine dystocia management. In addition, knowledge of the prognosis of equine dystocia is necessary to advise animal owners. This retrospective study of equine dystocia aimed to enrich existing datasets with up-to-date information. For the first time, the focus was on the causes of dystocia that occurred alone or in combination. Over a period of 10 years, 72 cases of dystocia were analysed using a standardised, predetermined diagnosis code.ResultsOf the 72 cases of dystocia, an isolated cause of dystocia was identified in 37 cases (51.4%) and 35 mares showed a combination of two or more causes (48.6%). Foetal causes were significantly more frequent origin of dystocia (66/69) than maternal causes (3/66) (P < 0.0001). Incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs and head was the most common combination at 25.7%. The most common isolated cause of dystocia was incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs (18.9%). A foetotomy was performed in 68% of cases. A caesarean section or an extraction was performed in 13.9% of the cases. Three mares died before any obstetric care was provided. Nine mares (12.5%) were not discharged alive. 73 foals were delivered of which 55 were already dead before veterinary treatment began. In relation to the total number of births in which the foetus was alive at the start of obstetric care, the foetal mortality rate was 61.1% and 88.9% by the time the mare was discharged.ConclusionsIt has been demonstrated for the first time that multiple causes of dystocia in horses are almost as common as isolated causes of dystocia. Neonatal mortality remains high, indicating that the timely detection and treatment of dystocia has the highest priority.

Research priorities and quality of scientific literature on dystocia in cows from 1960-2020

As part of a literature review, a systematic search was carried out to determine how the focus of research on dystocia in cattle has changed in the German- and English-spoken literature between the 1960s and 2020 as well as to evaluate the the quality of the scientific literature to date. To this end, 621 references were analyzed. It is evident that the number of publications increased between 2010 and 2020, which emphasizes the importance of the subject. Case series (35.3%) are the most common type of publication. Controlled studies (4.5%) and meta-analyses (0.3%) were found much less frequently. The causes (43.8%) and consequences of dystocia (28.8%) have been investigated most frequently to date, while the frequency has only been analyzed in few studies (7.2%). While treatment methods were mainly evaluated from 1960 to 1979, no chronological focus can be found for the topics "causes of dystocia" and "consequences of dystocia". Publications focusing on the prevention of dystocia are increasingly found from the 1980s onwards.To summarize, it can be stated that publications on the causes of dystocia are currently the most relevant in quantitative terms. For future research projects, the studies should be planned in such a way that they can form the basis for systematic studies, reviews and meta-analyses.

Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in intrapartum cows with insufficient cervix dilation

AbstractThe cervix is an important organ that has to dilate sufficiently at delivery to allow the foetus to transition to extrauterine life. Insufficient dilatation of the cervix (IDC) is a frequent cause of dystocia in cattle. The mechanisms underlying cervical opening and the pathogenesis of IDC are still widely unclear. Systematic studies on the relationship between IDC and steroid hormones have been limited and have yielded inconsistent findings. This study aimed to measure oestrogen and progesterone (P4) concentrations in intrapartum cows presented with dystocia due to IDC and in a comparison (C) group of cows with eutocic delivery. Before any obstetrical procedures, and right after the initial evaluation, blood samples were taken from IDC and C animals. Concentrations of P4, oestradiol‐17β (E2), free total oestrogens (FTE) and conjugated total oestrogens (CTE) were measured by established radioimmunoassays. Concentrations of P4 (p = .538), FTE (p = .065) and CTE (p = .605) were not statistically different between C and IDC groups. However, E2 levels in group C were significantly lower when compared to those in the IDC group (p = .013), which is inconsistent with the function of oestrogens in cervical dilatation. The correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between the pairs P4 versus FTE, P4 versus E2 and FTE versus E2 in group C and between the pair FTE versus E2 in group IDC. In conclusion, the results suggest that local activities of steroids relevant to the aetiology of IDC are not reflected by concentrations in the systemic circulation or that other factors are clearly more important.

Perosomus elumbus fetal monster: a rare cause of dystocia in a beetal goat - a case report from Pakistan

Perosomus elumbus fetal monster: a rare cause of dystocia in a beetal goat - a case report from Pakistan

Dystocia frequency and causes in horses with pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia: A prospective study.

Dystocia typically presents a life-threatening condition for both the mare and the foal. This prospective long-term study aimed to ascertain whether mares with prior pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia were at a higher risk of experiencing subsequent dystocia in comparison to those without such medical antecedents. To achieve this goal, the authors analysed 207 parturitions and 164 mares over a 10-year period. Of these, 57 were associated with pregnancy disorders or prior dystocia (Group 1), while 150 parturitions followed uneventful pregnancies in mares that had not yet experienced dystocia (Group 2). Mares in Group 1 were significantly more likely to develop dystocia than those in Group 2 (p = .0180; odds ratio = 2.98). Foetal causes of dystocia were more prevalent than maternal causes (p < .0389). Maternal mortality stood at 0.5%, and neonatal mortality reached 1.9%. The results demonstrate that mares are at significantly higher risk of developing dystocia after experiencing pregnancy disorders or parturition complications during previous pregnancies, emphasizing the need for systematic birth monitoring.

Relationship between nutritional condition and causes of death in beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas from the St. Lawrence estuary, Quebec, Canada.

Carcasses of endangered beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas from the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada, have been examined consistently since 1983 to determine causes of death. The objective of this study is to compare the nutritional condition of belugas that died of different causes. Previously published categories of death were refined to discriminate acute from chronic pathological processes. Bayesian linear models were used to predict cause of death from the scaled mass index (SMI). Causes of death were as follows: 'bacterial diseases', 'verminous pneumonia', 'toxoplasmosis', 'other parasitic diseases', 'other infectious diseases', 'trauma-entrapment', 'other noninfectious diseases', 'dystocia-postpartum complications', 'neonatal mortality', 'cancer', 'primary starvation' and 'undetermined'. The models predicted a lower nutritional condition for the 'neonatal mortality' in belugas <290 cm in length and for 'primary starvation' and 'verminous pneumonia' categories for belugas ≥290 cm. Belugas that died from 'dystocia-postpartum complications' or from 'undetermined causes' had a higher-than-average SMI. Animals in the 'trauma-entrapment' category did not exhibit the highest nutritional condition, which was unexpected since individuals that died from trauma or entrapment are often used as references for optimal nutritional condition in other cetacean populations. Females that died from dystocia and postpartum complications were in similar nutritional condition as females dead from other causes during, or shortly after, pregnancy. This suggests that these females are not obese, ruling out a possible cause of dystocia. Although studying dead animals biases results toward low nutritional condition, our findings support the link between chronic pathological processes and poorer nutritional condition in belugas.

Persistent microperforate hymen as a rare maternal cause of dystocia in a ewe

AbstractSuccessful management of obstetrical emergency, such as dystocia, is essential to prevent huge economic loss to sheep farming. Dystocia can lead to mortality of both the dam and the fetus, if timely correct diagnosis and feasible intervention are delayed. The present case describes an uncommon obstetrical emergency, that is, dystocia due to a rare condition of persistent microperforate hymen as a maternal factor for dystocia. A primiparous, crossbred ewe (aged 1.5 years) was presented at our clinic as an obstetrical emergency at full term. After a complete history was taken, a physical (including per vaginum) examination was performed. This allowed a diagnosis of a persistent microperforate hymen. Management included excision of the transverse band followed by assisted delivery. The ewe recovered successfully, and survived along with its lamb, at least until the post‐operative check at 3 weeks.

Comparative study between efficacy of dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination and mechanical correction in uterine torsion cases in Egyptian buffalo-cows (Bubalus bubalis)

BackgroundAccording to reports, the majority of domesticated species exhibited uterine torsion. It was occasionally noted as a cause of dystocia in buffaloes. The uterus might twist more frequently late in pregnancy because of certain animal traits. The current research monitored the clinical findings and laboratory assays associated with uterine torsion cases in pregnant buffalo-cows through comparing between normal labored buffalo-cows (Norm-Labgr; n = 20), mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals without medicament interference (UtrTorsgr; n = 160), and mechanically corrected uterine torsed animals with medicament interference (UtrTors-Medgr; n = 40) through focusing on placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell count (SCC) in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones. Through clinical and laboratory investigations of these buffaloes (N = 220) had been conducted 3 times; 7 h pre-calving and post calving (Post uterine correction) i.e. 48 and 96 h. Uterine torsion prevalence parameters, placental characterization, calves body weight, milk constituents and milk somatic cell counts were evaluated in normal labored buffaloes and uterine torsed ones.Results and ConclusionsThe study concluded pre-calving remarkable variations in clinical findings, leukogram picture, calf birth weight and some placental characterization parameters between Norm-Labgr and each of UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr whereas these variations disappeared post-partum as a result to either only mechanical correction or mechanical correction plus medicaments interference. No pre-or post-calving significant changes between UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr except for the abnormal clinical findings were more representative in UtrTors-Medgr than those in UtrTorsgr particularly pre-calving. The applied pre-calving therapeutic regimen including dexamethasone-prostaglandin-receptal combination had a powerful potential efficacy that induced vaginal delivery of calves in UtrTors-Medgr as well as prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus approved higher efficacy in UtrTorsgr. The applied prepartum mechanical correction of torsed uterus and/or pre-calving therapeutic regimen as well as subsequent post-calving, post uterine correction applied medicament treatment accelerated rapid recovery of affected buffalo-cows through achieving rapid restoring of their physiological parameters. Buffalo-cow’s milk composition, milk pH and milk SCC were not affected whereas no significant variations were reported between Norm-Labgr, UtrTorsgr and UtrTors-Medgr.

Etiology behind canine uterine inertia: Role of uterine expression of MLCK4, MYH2, and PKC genes

Dystocia is an obstetrical emergency, and primary uterine inertia (PUI) is the major etiological reason among the more prevalent maternal causes in dogs. The present study involved the relative expression analysis of genes associated with myometrial contraction in medium-sized dog breeds with uterine inertia. Dogs without any progress in the parturition process even after four hours of the onset of labor and the absence of uterine contractions were considered to have complete primary uterine inertia (CPUI, n = 9). Dogs that had expelled at least one fetus and made no further progress in parturition in the absence of active uterine contraction were considered to be experiencing partial primary uterine inertia (PPUI, n = 6). Dogs with the fetal cause of dystocia (FCD), i.e., obstructive dystocia, were taken as the third (n = 7) group. Uterine tissue samples were collected during cesarean section in each group, RNA was isolated, and the relative expression of myometrial ACTA2, ACTG2, MLCK4, MYH2, and PKC genes was analyzed. The MLCK4 gene expression was downregulated in CPUI (P ≤ 0.05) and PPUI (P ≤ 0.01) when compared to FCD. The MYH2 gene expression was downregulated in PPUI in comparison to CPUI (P ≤ 0.01) and FCD (P ≤ 0.05). The PKC gene expression was upregulated in PPUI in comparison to FCD and CPUI (P ≤ 0.05). The downregulation of MLCK4 and MYH2 gene expressions recorded in PPUI indicated the possibility of myometrial defects. The possibility of myometrial defects was also observed in CPUI, but to a lesser degree, suggesting other etiologies.

Obstetrical Emergencies in Domestic Cats

Background: The adaptability of kittens as indoor pets and the unique situation presented by Covid 19 pandemic led to a flourish in cat breeding and sales. This has led to an increased number of feline obstetric cases presented to veterinary clinical settings during the last two years. Dystocia in dogs is well referenced, but it has received less attention and documentation in cats. Hence, a retrospective study of obstetric emergencies in cats was made. Methods: This study reviewed the incidence, treatment and outcomes of 48 feline obstetric emergencies presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Mannuthy, Kerala during the calendar year 2021. The data was analysed and represented according to the presenting complaint, causes of dystocia as maternal or foetal, diagnostic modes, outcome to medical or surgical treatment adopted and exceptional reasons for obstetric emergencies in cats. Result: Dystocia (n= 45), uterine torsion (n= 3), ectopic pregnancy (n= 2) and uterine prolapse (n= 1) were the obstetric emergencies recorded during this study. 75.56 per cent of feline dystocia were due to maternal factors and 24.44 per cent due to foetal factors and in three patients, uterine torsion was identified as the cause of dystocia. Medical management was successful in 45.71% and surgical management was adopted in 48.89% cases. Ovariohysterectomy was performed in cats identified with torsion of uterus, prolapsed uterus and ectopic pregnancies.

Comparative evaluation of valethamate bromide and hyoscine butyl bromide on cervical dilatation in water buffaloes after detorsion

After detorsion, incomplete cervical dilatation is major cause of dystocia. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of valethamate bromide and hyoscine butyl bromide on cervical dilation after detorsion and their effect on haematological and biochemical parameters of torsion detorted water buffaloes. A total of 18 buffaloes were selected for study which were divided into three groups of six animals each. After detorsion by Sharma’s Modified Schaffer’s method, animals with grade I and grade II cervix were selected for the study. Group I (control group) buffaloes were administered with dexamethasone (40 mg, I/M), cloprostenol (500 μg, I/M) and mifex (450 mL, slow I/V) after successful detorsion. Along with these drugs, in group II and group III, valethamate bromide (100 mg, I/M) and hyoscine butyl bromide (160 mg, I/M) were administered, respectively. The cervical dilation rate (CDR) of each group was calculated and compared. Blood samples were collected three times: before detorsion, after treatment and at parturition. Group III (2.17±0.07 cm/h) had significantly higher CDR followed by group II (1.39±0.21 cm/h), and control group (0.47±0.19 cm/h). Serum calcium levels were also elevated after treatment. Both drug combinations were found safe haematologically and biochemically.

A dicephalus tetrabrachius thoracophagus tetrapus dicaudatus conjoined monster calf in Marathawadi buffalo: A case report

Fetal anomalies and monstrosities are the most common cause of dystocia in bovines. Conjoined twins are usually monozygotic in origin and occur due to incomplete division of one embryo into two at the primitive streak of the developmental stage depending upon the site of fusion or non-separation. Reports on such anomalies in buffalo seem to be meager. A rare case of dystocia due to dicephalus, tetrabrachius, thoracophagus, tetrapus, dicaudatus, conjoined female calf was resolved with the use of six-way traction by considering the internal pelvimetry.

Major Causes of Dystocia in Bovine: A Review

The inability of the cow to expel neonates through the birth canal from the uterus is called dystocia. There are several physical, physiological and hormonal changes take place to prepare the dam and fetus for parturition. It is one of the most important obstetrical conditions and requires immediate attention of obstetricians as it causes severe economic losses to dairy farmers. The causes of dystocia are generally classified as being maternal or fetal in origin. Maternal causes include feto-maternal disproportion, incomplete cervical dilation, uterine torsion, uterine inertia and hernia of gravid uterus, and fetal causes are fetal maldisposition, fetal oversize and fetal monstrosities. Dystocia negatively affects the productive and reproductive performance due to increased risk for uterine diseases. As one of the reproductive problems in cows, it is important to prevent and reduce the incidence of dystocia and awareness on the significance of dystocia should be enhanced, which necessitate presenting the current literature review on dystocia.

A Retrospective Study on Causes of Dystocia in Cattle and Buffaloes at Referral Centre in South Rajasthan

A retrospective analysis of causes of dystocia was conducted on 78 dystocia cases in cattle and buffalo presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College, Navania, Udaipur (Rajasthan, India) to find out the incidence of different causes of dystocia in this particular area. The high incidence of dystocia found in cattle was of fetal mal-disposition (46.87%), while in buffalo it was of uterine torsion (41.30%). Other causes of dystocia with low incidence in both the species included fetal emphysema, fetal monster, narrow pelvis, fetal dropsy and fetal oversize.

Management of dystocia due to multiple mal-dispositions in a Marwari mare

A Marwari mare with history of dystocia since last twelve hours was presented to the gynecology section of teaching veterinary clinics of GADVASU. Per vaginal examination revealed multiple fetal mal-dispositions as the cause of dystocia. After lubrication of birth canal, fetal position was corrected by mutation and the dead fetus was delivered using forced traction. Post-operative treatment was given to the mare. There was an uneventful recovery of the mare.

First report on uterine intussusception as a cause of dystocia in German shepherd dog

First report on uterine intussusception as a cause of dystocia in German shepherd dog

Dystocia due to Post-Cervical Uterine Torsion along with Foetal Ascites in a Cross-Bred Holstein-Friesian Cow

A twisting or rolling of the uterus along its longitudinal axis is known as uterine torsion (Roberts, 2004). Compared to other domestic animal species, bovines have a significantly higher prevalence of dystocia (Dutt et al., 2021). Uterine torsion is one of the common causes of dystocia in buffaloes than in cows (Purohit et al., 2011). In dairy cattle frequency of right horn pregnancy is reported as 60% to 68%, counterclockwise torsion would then be detected primarily in cases of right horn pregnancy (Arthur et al., 1996). Blockage of lymphatics, excessive production or inadequate drainage of peritoneal fluid and other factors can result in foetal ascites (Sloss and Duffy, 1980). Additionally, dropsical conditions of foetus such as hydrocephalus, ascites, hydrothorax, and foetal anasarca can also result in dystocia (Purohit et al., 2006; Purohit et al., 2012). The management of dystocia caused by left side post-cervical torsion and foetal ascites is described in the current case study. The patient was successfully treated without any complications

Dystocia due to lateral deviation of head and carpal flexion in mare - a case report

Although dystocia in mares is uncommon, it may be brought on by the way the fetal extremities develop. Dystocia in horses is a serious condition. The referral veterinary polyclinic of ICAR-IVRI received a call about a stray mare who had been straining for the last four hours. She was about 6-7 years old. The absence of foetal responses revealed a dead foetus, and rectal examination indicated that it to be a case of lateral deviation of the head. For the purpose of facilitating head-deviation correction, the foetus was repulsed back into the uterus. A forcible extraction was used to remove the dead foetus following the use of the obstetrical hook to adjust the fetal head position. Anti-inflammatory drugs along with antibiotics were administered. Additionally, tetanus shots were administered prophylactically. The most frequent cause of dystocia in mare is head deviation, which is a critical condition that can affect both the dam and the foetus

Retrospective analysis of 302 ovine dystocia cases presented to a veterinary hospital with particular attention to uterine torsion.

BackgroundDystocia is common in sheep, and foetal causes are predominant. Among maternal causes, insufficient cervical dilatation is the most frequent problem. Uterine torsion has been considered rare by many authors.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate causes of dystocia in sheep presented for veterinary attention, and particular focus was set on the description of uterine torsion and analysis of potentially predisposing factors for this condition.MethodsClinical records of 302 sheep treated for dystocia were evaluated retrospectively. Known and proposed risk factors for uterine torsion in cattle were analysed regarding their potential importance in sheep. These included lamb birth weights, ewe age, parity, season, nutrition, breed type, litter size and husbandry.ResultsMaternal causes of dystocia accounted for 67.2% (203/302) of the presented cases. Of these, insufficient cervical dilatation (121/203, 59.6%) was the most frequent diagnosis. Another substantial proportion of maternal causes (60/203, 29.6%) was identified as uterine torsion. Husbandry, breed type and litter size showed significance in univariate analyses, with lower odds for meat breeds (OR 0.22; p < 0.001), twin‐ (OR 0.49; p = 0.020) or multiple‐bearing ewes (OR 0.19; p = 0.013) and higher odds for fully housed animals (OR 17.87; p < 0.001). Year‐round housing was identified as the most influential factor in a subsequent multivariate analysis.ConclusionsUterine torsion was identified as a relevant cause of dystocia in our case load. The condition is likely to be underdiagnosed in sheep, and increased farmer and veterinary awareness is necessary to ensure adequate treatment of affected animals and to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Reproductive emergencies in bitches / Emergências reprodutivas em cadelas

The cases of reproductive emergencies are frequent in female dogs, and the most frequent reproductive disorders are dystocia and pyometra, both considered as emergencies. A prospective study was conducted during one year between the dogs treated in a Teaching Veterinary Hospital (TVH). Were followed 36 cases, and no deaths occurred. The most frequent disease was pyometra representing 58.33% of the cases (21/36). Among the 21 cases reported, 85.71% were open pyometras (18/21). In all cases of pyometra the treatment was surgical, and was performed ovariohysterectomy (OH). After pyometra, the dystocia was the most common reproductive emergency in female dogs, and were recorded 13 cases of this condition (36.11%; 13/36). In most cases it was not registered the cause of dystocia (69.24%; 9/13), but in four cases (30.76%; 4/13) was considered as an etiologic factor, primary uterine inertia. In most cases (10/13; 76.92%) was performed caesarean section as treatment. A case of mastitis treated with antibiotics with full recovery was registered. Although vaginal hyperplasia is not considered an emergency, a case of this disease was included study. The prolapsed vaginal mucosa was very swollen, with risk of infection, myiasis and self-trauma and urethral obstruction, requiring immediate patient care. The treatment adopted was OH with complete recovery of the animal. It was concluded that the most frequent reproductive emergencies were pyometra and dystocia.