Dystocia | Quizlet

What is dystocia?

- Difficult or abnormal parturition

- Failure of normal delivery process

Why is dystocia an emergency in mares?

- Stage 2 is normally very rapid (10-20 min) ⭐️

- Placenta separates early

- Foal rapidly becomes hypoxic

- Delay → fetal death + mare complications

What are the main causes of dystocia in mares?

1. Fetal malposition ⭐️ most common

2. Fetal malpresentation

3. Fetal malposture

4. Fetal abnormalities

5. Uterine inertia

6. Incomplete cervical dilation

7. Narrow pelvis

What is meant by presentation?

Orientation of fetus relative to birth canal (anterior/posterior)

What are common abnormal presentations?

Posterior presentation (hindlimbs first)

What is meant by position?

Relationship of fetal dorsum to mare pelvis (dorsosacral etc.)

What are common abnormal positions?

- Dorsopubic

- Dorsolateral

What is meant by posture?

Position of limbs, head, neck

What are common abnormal postures?

- Flexed limbs

- Head deviation

- Carpal flexion

- Shoulder flexion

What is the normal fetal orientation for delivery?

- Anterior longitudinal presentation

- Dorsosacral position

- Head and forelimbs extended

What are the most common causes of dystocia in mares?

1. Malposture ⭐️

2. Limb flexion

3. Head/neck deviation

What fetal causes can lead to dystocia?

1. Large fetus

2. Fetal monsters

3. Congenital abnormalities

4. Dead fetus

What maternal causes can lead to dystocia?

- Uterine inertia

- Narrow pelvis

- Cervical stenosis

- Poor uterine contractions

What is uterine inertia?

- Failure of adequate uterine contractions

- Can be primary or secondary

What is cervical stenosis?

- Failure of cervix to dilate fully

- Prevents passage of fetus

What are the clinical signs of dystocia?

- Prolonged Stage 2 (>20-30 min) ⭐️

- No progression of foal

- Abnormal presentation at vulva

- Excessive straining

How is dystocia diagnosed?

- History of prolonged labour

- Vaginal examination

- Assessment of fetus orientation

What is the first step in managing dystocia?

- Assess mare + fetus quickly ⭐️

- Determine viability of fetus

- Identify type of abnormality

What are the general principles of dystocia correction?

- Correct posture first

- Then position

- Then presentation

- Repulsion of fetus into uterus

- Controlled traction

What is repulsion in dystocia management?

- Pushing fetus back into uterus

- Creates space for correction

What is mutation in dystocia?

- Manipulation of fetus

Includes:

- Repulsion

- Rotation

- Extension

What is traction in dystocia?

- Controlled pulling of fetus

- Applied after correction

When is lubrication important in dystocia?

- Always ⭐️

- ↓ trauma to mare

- Facilitates manipulation

When should dystocia be referred?

- If correction not possible quickly

- If fetus cannot be repositioned

- If mare or fetus at risk

What are the treatment options for dystocia?

- Assisted vaginal delivery

- Fetotomy (if fetus dead)

- C-section

What are the risks of dystocia?

- Foal hypoxia and death

- Uterine rupture

- Vaginal tears

- Retained placenta

- Metritis

What is a "red bag delivery"?

- Premature separation of placenta ⭐️

- Chorioallantois appears at vulva instead of amnion

Why is a red bag delivery dangerous?

- Foal loses oxygen supply immediately

- Requires immediate intervention

How is red bag delivery managed?

- Rupture placenta immediately

- Deliver foal as fast as possible

What is the prognosis for dystocia?

- Good if corrected quickly

- Poor if delayed

What is important to remember about time in dystocia?

- Time is critical ⭐️

- Intervention must be rapid

- Foal survival depends on speed