Management Of Birth Research Articles

Association between a single measurement of progesterone and cortisol blood concentrations at two to one week before parturition, and number of fetuses in the Teramana goat

The Teramana goat is an at-risk breed, needing population protection and programs to increase their numbers. The first step for a population increase is the best management of reproduction, leading to an as high as possible number of healthy and viable kids born. To this purpose, beside the optimization of mating, the best possible management of pregnancy and parturition is mandatory. The goat is a prolific farm animal in which single, double, or triple ovulations can occur, leading to singleton, twin or triple pregnancies, and the birth of multiple kids. Twins and triplets are associated to increased risk for perinatal mortality and need a special surveillance and possible assistance at birth. Knowledge of the number of fetuses that have to be delivered from each goat could be a practical tool for a better management of parturition. Among the methods to define the number of fetuses in the goat, the measurement of blood progesterone (P4) concentrations have provided inconsistent results. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the possible association between the maternal concentrations of plasma P4 and cortisol (C), two hormones possibly associated to the number of fetuses, measured only once at about two to one week before parturition in Teramana goats, and the number of fetuses. The results, obtained from 23 does, showed that both plasma P4 and C are higher in does bearing multiple fetuses than does with singleton pregnancies. However, the single measurement of plasma C, but not P4, two to one week before the expected parturition in the Teramana goat is useful to distinguish between does bearing singleton and triplet pregnancies for a better surveillance and assistance at delivery. Therefore, it could represent a tool for the best management of reproduction in a breed population at risk for extinction.

Apgar score or birthweight in Chihuahua dogs born by elective Caesarean section: which is the best predictor of the survival at 24\xa0h after birth?

BackgroundIn the dog, the correct management of parturition and the prompt neonatal evaluation and assistance can reduce the perinatal mortality rates that are particularly high in toy breeds. Newborn evaluation and factors addressing prognosis are pivotal to guarantee the correct neonatal assistance. Assessment of the Apgar score with viability classification and birthweight are recognized as predictors for neonatal survival in dogs, but breed-specific data are needed for a more feasible application in the dog species, in which wide differences among breeds are known. The present study aimed therefore to: (a) assess the role of Apgar score and birthweight as predictors for the survival of Chihuahua newborn puppies in the first 24 h of life; (b) to assess a cut-off of the Apgar score and birthweight values that can predict the survival of Chihuahua newborn puppies in the first 24 h after birth; (c) to assess the possible effect played by maternal parity, newborn gender and litter-size on Apgar score in Chihuahua newborn puppies, in order to provide breed-specific data for a better neonatal assistance.ResultsData obtained from 176 normal developed Chihuahua puppies born by elective Caesarean section, showed that 62%, 28% and 10% of puppies were classified in the Apgar score classes 7–10, 4–6 and 0–3, respectively, with survival at 24 h after birth of 97%, 96%, 39%, in the three Apgar classes of viability, respectively. Apgar score was a better predictor for survival at 24 h after birth than birthweight (AUC 0.93, P < 0.0001; AUC 0.69, P < 0.01, respectively). Litter-size of 7 puppies/litter plays a negative effect on Apgar score. Apgar score is a better predictor of survival at 24 h than birthweight, and the best cut-off of Apgar score for survival at 24 h after birth is 4, with 96% sensitivity and 77% specificity.ConclusionsThe different proportion of “normal viable” and “less viable” neonates in comparison to other studies highlights that Chihuahua puppies born by elective Caesarean section should be carefully evaluated at birth to provide correct assistance.

Effects of Alfaxalone or Propofol on Giant-Breed Dog Neonates Viability During Elective Caesarean Sections.

Simple SummaryNowadays, thanks to the increased awareness of owners and breeders and to the most recent techniques available to veterinarians, the management of parturition, especially of C-sections, has become a topic of greater importance. Anesthesia is crucial and must be targeted to both the mother and neonates. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the induction agent alfaxalone on the vitality of puppies born from elective C-section, in comparison to propofol. After inducing general anesthesia for elective C-section, puppies from the mothers induced with alfaxalone had higher 5-min Apgar scores than those induced with propofol. The concentration of cortisol in fetal fluids collected at birth is neither influenced by the anesthetic protocol used, nor does it differ between amniotic and allantoic fluids. Nevertheless, the cortisol concentration in fetal fluids affects the relationship between anesthesia and the Apgar score: the present study highlights a significant relationship between the anesthetic protocol used and Apgar score in puppies, and fetal fluids cortisol concentration acts as a covariate of this relationship. Alfaxalone is a safe and effective drug for the induction of anesthesia in dogs, and it can be successfully employed for elective C-section, with neonatal wellbeing improvements.Attention must be paid to C-section anesthesia effects on mother and offspring. Alfaxalone induction results in improved puppy viability when compared to propofol. The present study aims to evaluate effects of alfaxalone or propofol induction for elective C-section on newborns, expressed as Apgar score and fetal fluids cortisol concentration. Anesthesia was induced with alfaxalone 3 mg/kg iv in 5 bitches (group A), and propofol 4 mg/kg iv in another 5 (group P), maintained with isoflurane. Amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected to determine cortisol concentration. Apgar score, litter size, newborn gender, birth-weight, maternal age, and parity were recorded. ANOVA, U Mann-Whitney test and ANCOVA assessed the effects of drugs on the Apgar score and fetal fluids cortisol. Thirty-six puppies were randomly selected for the study: 16 from group A and 20 from group P. Only the Apgar score significantly differed between groups. ANCOVA confirmed a significantly higher Apgar score in group A underlining the influence of fetal fluids cortisol concentrations, both resulting in covariates. Present results confirm the effect of anesthesia on the Apgar score of newborns, which is significantly higher for alfaxalone than propofol, suggesting the use of fetal fluids cortisol as a covariate. These findings could be a starting point for further investigations when less viable puppies are detected or expected, such as during an emergency C-section.

Developments of reproductive management and biotechnology in the pig.

This review aims to describe changes in production environment, management tools and technology to alleviate problems seen with the present hyperprolific sow model. Successful parturition in the pig includes the possibility to express adequate maternal behaviour, rapid expulsion of piglets, complete expulsion of placenta, elimination of uterine contamination and debris, neonatal activity and colostrum intake. We focus on management of large litters, including maternal behaviour, ease of parturition, colostrum production, piglet quality parameters and intermittent suckling. There are also some interesting developments in technology to assess colostrum and immune state of the piglet. These developments may be utilized to improve the success rate of reproductive management around farrowing, lactation and after weaning. We also discuss new insights in how to examine the health of the mammary gland, uterus and ovaries of hyperprolific sows. Finally, we assess the latest developments on breeding and technology of hyperprolific sows, including artificial insemination (AI), real-time ultrasound of the genital tract and embryo transfer (ET). We conclude that 1) for the sow to produce sufficient colostrum, both the behavioural and physiological needs of the sow need to be met before and after parturition. Furthermore, 2) new ultrasound and biopsy technology can be effectively applied for accurate diagnosis of inflammatory processes of the udder and uterus and timing of AI regarding ovulation to improve insemination efficiency. Finally, 3) developments in cryopreservation of germ cells and embryos appear promising but lack of valid oocyte collection techniques and nonsurgical ET techniques are a bottleneck to commercial ET. These latest developments in management of parturition and reproductive technology are necessary to cope with the increasing challenges associated with very large litter sizes.

The precision of predicting the time of onset of parturition in the bitch using the level of progesterone in plasma during the preparturient period

Precise prediction of the time of onset of parturition in the bitch is of clinical importance. Many parturition management cases in clinical practice are presented in the last two weeks of pregnancy without a reliable estimate of the parturition date. The aim of this study was to assess the value of a single progesterone level in the blood plasma from a preparturient bitch to predict the time of onset of parturition. The temporal relationship between the decrease in the plasma progesterone levels and the time of cervical dilatation (TCD)—which correlates to the onset of stage 1 of parturition—was evaluated in 25 bitches in the preparturient period. Among bitches destined to reach TCD within 12 h there is a 2% probability of having a plasma progesterone level of 15.8 nmoL/L or above and a 6% probability of having a level of 8.7 nmoL/L or above. Conversely, if the level is below 8.7 nmoL/L there is a 99% probability of reaching TCD within 48 h and if the level is below 3.18 nmoL/L there is a 100% probability of reaching TCD within 24 h. These results allow the veterinary obstetrician to make prompt decisions in the management of parturition.

Determination of gestational time and prediction of parturition in dogs and cats: an update.

Accurate prediction of delivery date in canine and feline allows a better management of parturition, reducing the loss of neonates. This review evaluates the most common methods adopted to accurately predict the day of delivery: determination of ovulation and hormonal assays, first appearance of embryonic/foetal structures using ultrasound or radiography, echographic measurement of extra-foetal and foetal structures, or evaluation of foetal flux and heart rate. Determination of ovulation and hormonal assays at the time of breeding and close to pregnancy term is widely used to predict parturition in dogs (Concannon etal. American Journal of Veterinary Research 44, 1983, 1819; Hayer etal. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 47, 1993, 93; Hase etal. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 62, 2000, 243; Kutzler etal. Theriogenology, 60, 2003a, 1187). In cats, some studies have been carried out, but no hormonal parameters for accurate prediction of parturition have been described so far (Buff etal. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 57, 2001, 187; De Haas van Dorsser etal. Biology of Reproduction, 74, 2006, 1090; DiGangi etal. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237, 2010, 1267; Dehnhard etal. Theriogenology, 77, 2012, 1088). Many studies suggested that gestational timing can be obtained by observation using ultrasound or radiography of specific structures in relation to the time of appearance during gestation (Concannon and Rendano American Journal of Veterinary Research, 44, 1983, 1506; Rendano etal. Veterinary Radiology, 25, 1984, 132; Shille and Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 187, 1985, 1021; Davidson etal. Veterinary Radiology, 27, 1986, 109; England etal. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 31, 1990, 324; Yeager etal. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 53, 1992, 342; Zambelli etal. Theriogenology, 57, 2002a, 1981; Zambelli etal. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 4, 2002b, 95; Zambelli and Prati 2006; Lopate Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Davidson and Baker Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 24, 2009, 55). Ultrasonographic measurement of extra-foetal and foetal structures is a common and accurate method for the prediction of parturition day during pregnancy, when specific formulae are used depending on the ultrasonographic parameter, the species and, in canines, the size of the bitch (Shille and Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 187, 1985, 1021; England etal. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 31, 1990, 324; Luvoni and Grioni Journal of Small Animal Practice, 41, 2000, 292; Luvoni and Beccaglia Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 41, 2006, 27; Lopate Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Michel etal. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 46, 2011, 926; Beccaglia and Luvoni Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47, 194, 2012). Recent studies demonstrated that in dogs, the imminence of parturition could be predicted by evaluating foetal flux and foetal heart rate by ultrasound (Gil etal. Theriogenology, 82, 2014, 933; Giannico etal., Animal Reproduction Science, 154, 2015, 105). For an accurate prediction of parturition date, the combination of different methods is desirable.

Oxytocin Secretion and Management of Parturition in the Pig

AbstractThis paper will examine the augmentation of oxytocin (OT) secretion in the final day before parturition in the pig, and review the key endocrine systems of influence. Recent experiments have shown that increases in plasma OT above baseline secretion were not seen until 7 hours prior to the birth of the first piglet. Progesterone release begins to decline some days before birth and is unlikely to provide such acute control of OT release immediately before birth. The involvement of relaxin is complex but it is possible that the prepartum relaxin surge, which ends close to the OT rise, attenuates OT secretion to prevent excessive myometrial activity until cervical softening has occurred. Increasing myometrial electromyographic activity appears to be seen as relaxin concentrations decline and OT increase. Endogenous opioid peptides within the hypothalamus exert a profound influence upon OT secretion during birth, and some effects are also seen prepartum. It has been proposed that this system may allow parturition to be interrupted or slowed in response to changes in environment. The therapeutic choice of exogenous injections of OT to control the onset time of parturition will be discussed in the light of current physiological knowledge.

Legal problems in obstetrics. On the "liability of the expert witness"

There has been a depressing increase in claims for damages and associated civil code and legal code proceedings in medicine in general (as the term "defensive medicine" illustrates) that exercises considerable influence on medical activities in obstetrics, not always to the benefit of the patients. In what manner and to what extent the expert can and must influence legal decisions, is demonstrated by means of a few examples such as management of parturition in case of breech presentation, causal assessment of psychomotoric retardation in postnatal life and the management of dystocia in shoulder presentation. If judges and attorneys are blamed-as is often the case-one should always also consider the significance of expertising activities. Typical errors occurring during expert assessment are pointed out. This shows the high degree of responsibility that has to be shouldered by the expert when he advises judges and/or attorneys. Expertising activities should be directed to a greater measure than in recent years, at delivering expertises restricted to the factual situation without involving emotions. This would at the same time reduce the influence of judges, attorneys and lawyers on our medical activities, an influence that has recently been much deplored.

Reproductive characteristics of the jenny donkey--Equus asinus: a review.

The review emphasises the mainly temperate origins, scarcity and relatively poor quality of the available literature on the reproductive characterists of the jenny and points to the need for more objective recording and investigation of this animal particularly in the tropics and sub-tropics where, in fact, most donkeys are to be found. In most respects the reproductive characteristics of the jenny have similar values to those of the horse. The two exceptions appear to be the length of the oestrous cycle and the length of gestation. The oestrous cycle in the jenny appears to be longer than in the mare by one to two days and the gestation period to be longer by some 37 to 38 days. Given the degree of natural variation that appears to exist the longer length of the oestrous cycle is of marginal significance. An awareness of the longer length of gestation in the donkey is of some importance as regards the preparation for and management of parturition.

THE TOXEMIAS OF PREGNANCY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF PARTURITION

In this paper we will present the classification of the of adopted by the American Committee on Maternal Welfare, consider briefly the pathogenesis of the acute and chronic diseases which are included in the hypertensive group of and review the results obtained by applying this concept of these and their classification in the management of parturition in our cases complicated by these diseases. Lack of a uniform terminology for the of influenced the American Committee on Maternal Welfare to appoint a subcommittee 1 to classify these conditions and to define the terms used. At the outset this committee decided that a practical classification must be relatively brief and should contain sufficient descriptive terminology to permit the collection of data. The general term toxemias of pregnancy includes several complications of pregnancy; the majority of these have some clinical similarity, but some apparently are not related.

Art. XXI.— Essay on the Mechanism and Management of Parturition in the Shoulder Presentation.

Art. XXI.— Essay on the Mechanism and Management of Parturition in the Shoulder Presentation.