DYSTOCIA

Presented by:
Dr. Amit Kumar Nath
Assistant Professor
Department od TVCC(ARGO)
C.V.Sc & A.H., West Tripura
Dystocia: When the first, or especially the
second, stages of parturition is markedly
prolonged, becomes difficult or impossible
for the dam without artificial aid, the
condition is termed dystocia.

Eutocia: is the safe, easy, natural or

physiological parturition.
 Causes of Dystocia
Dystocia

Basic causes Immediate causes

1. Hereditary 1. Maternal
2. Nutrition & Management
2. Fetal
3. Infectious

4. Traumatic

5. Miscellaneous
 A. The basic causes of Dystocia
1.Hereditary causes:
Inguinal hernia
 Persistence of the median wall of the mullerian duct
 Double uterus
Hypoplasia of the vagina vulva or uterus
 Uterus unicornis
 Twinning and inherited breed characteristics
2.Nutritional and management causes:
 Malnutrition, deficiency of vitamins & minerals
overfeeding
3.Infectious Causes:
Infection or diseases of pregnancy.
4.Traumatic causes:.
Ventral hernia
Rupture of the prepubic tendon
Fracture of the pelvis.
5.Miscellaneous causes:
Minor abnormalities in posture
 Improper hormonal balance.
Uterine inertia
 B.Immediate causes of Dystocia

Maternal causes:
•Fracture and exostosis of the pelvis
•Small size of the pelvis.
•Hereditary or congenital hypoplasia.
•Intrapelvic haemorrhage, perivaginal fat.
•Impaction of colon or distension of the bladder in dogs.
•Tumours
•Torsion of uterus.
•Persistence of the median wall of the Mullerian duct.
•Failure of the cervix to dilate or ring womb in ewes.
•Uterine inertia, hydrops of the fetal membranes.
•Inguinal or ventral hernia, rupture of the prepubic tendons,
•Uterine infection
 B.Immediate causes of Dystocia

The fetal causes:

•Abnormal presentation, position & posture of fetus.
•Ventral, lateral or dorsal flexing of the head and neck.
•Fetal anasarca, ascites, large fetal tumors,
Schistosoma reflexes, fetal giantism etc.
Procedure preliminary to the handling of dystocia
First stage
2nd stage
 Procedure preliminary to the handling of dystocia

History of the case General Examination

Specific examination
 History of the case
•Age & parity of the cow
•Previous calving history
•General health
•Duration of gestation
•Date of service & expected
History dateofofthe
calving
case:
•Any illness or unusual symptoms during the last two month to the last few hours
prior to parturition.
•First sign of onset of first stage
•Evidence of straining-time when first marked.
•Nature of straining- strong or weak, intermittent or regular, increasing or
decreasing in frequency?
•Evidence about rupture of water bag (allantochorion)-time when marked evidence
of fetus/fetal membranes at the vulva
•Evidence of previous attempt by stock
•Has any assistance such as traction been used by the owner, his neighbour or
other Vetenarian?
•In multipara have any foetuses expelled and if so were they living or dead?
•Has the animal been able to get up if recumbent ?
 General Examination

•Whether it is thin & emaciated, too fat or in good condition.

•In recumbent position- Is it able to rise or is it exhausted?
•Obturator paralysis , If present should inform the owner before
staring the operation.
•The pulse, temperature & the color of the mucous membrane
should be noted.
•The degree of abdominal enlargement.
•The general appearance & attitude of the animal
•Asses the vulva & perineal area for the extent of relaxation
•The nature of the vulvar discharge
•Fetal membrane hanging from the vulva/fetus .
• Presence of amount of edema or trauma of vulva will indicate
length of time of dystocia and whether someone has already been
trying to deliver the fetus.
A B
 B
A

C
 Specific examination and restraint

•If possible the animal should be standing at the time of the

examination.
•If the animal fail to get up, its rear parts should be raised
above the front by lowering the front part.
• Birth canal to see if it is dilated, twisted, moist/slippery,
inflamed, swollen, dry, necrotic, contains pathological
bands, stenotic area or tumour or contain gummy mucus
indicating that parturition has not yet begun .
• The degree of dilation or relaxation of the cervix .
• Ascertain whether calf is dead or alive.
• If the fetus is dead degree of decomposition should be
ascertained.
• Determine any abnormalities of presentation, position and
posture or any other teratologic defects.
• If feet are lying in the birth canal it should be
determined whether they are front or hind feet
 Cervix
Closed/Open??

Closed cervix

Sign of placental separation

 Live /Dead??

•Pressing the eye ball.

•Suckling reflex in anterior presentation .

• Anal reflex in posterior presentation.

• If the fetus is alive, grasping the foot & pulling or pinching it

will cause movement of the limb.
 Duration of
Decomposition??
•Fetal emphysema and sloughing of the hair :24-48 hours or more.

•Corneas are grey and opaque:6-12 hours

Fore or Hind limb??

Fetlock & carpus flex in

same direction followed by
elbow in opposite

Fetlock & Hock flex in opposite

direction & stifle in opposite to
hock in opposite
 Vaginal delivery possible??
• If the obstetricans hand can be passed with ease around the
foetal shoulders within maternal pelvis in anterior position and
hind quarters of the calf including the thigh, hips and tail in
posterior presentation , then foetal delivery per vaginum is
normally possible.
What about bitch??
Palpation of the anterior vagina
may indicate whether the cervix
is dilated. Here little space in
the anterior vagina & cervix is
closed

Pronounced tone of anterior

Vagina indicate satisfactory
muscular activity in the uterus

Flaccidity indicates uterine

inertia
Vaginal examination in the Palpation of gossamer like amniotic
parturient bitch vesicle indicate the approach of fetus

Palpation after few minutes later

will often reveal the fetal head
It is usually more convenient to encourage the sow to remain in the
lateral recombency during vaginal examination. Gentle massage of
udder encourage most sows to remain in lateral recumbency even
when the hand is introduced into the vagina.
 Prognosis of dystocia
•The more prolonged the dystocia the poorer the prognosis.
•The prognosis in horse is graver than other domestic animals
because the fetus usually dies within 30-40 minutes after
commencement of labor.
•The fetus in the cow & ewe usually dies after 3-12 hours of labour
and emphysema sets in about 24- -36 hours after the onset of labour.
In sows the first pig usually dies after 4-6 hours of labor and in bitch
it is 6-8 hours.
Presentation, Position and Posture of
Foetus
Maternal Pelvis
 Presentation

Longitudinal Transverse Vertical

Dorso-trnsverse/Dorso Ventro- Vertical

Anterior
lumbar

Posterior Ventro -transverse/sterno- Dorso- Vertical

abdominal

Latero -transverse Latero -Vertical

It is the relationship between longitudinal axis of dam with the

longitudinal axis of foetus and parts present towards birth canal
 1. Longitudinal presentation

When longitudinal axis of dam is parallel to the longitudinal axis

of vertebral column of foetus, the presentation is called
longitudinal presentation
Anterior longitudinal
Posterior longitudinal
 2.Transverse presentation
When longitudinal axis of foetus forms a right angle with the long
axis of dam in transverse plane, the presentation is called as
transverse presentation

Transverse ventral Transverse dorsal

 3. Vertical presentation
When longitudinal axis of foetus forms the right angle with long
axis of dam in vertical plane, the presentation is called vertical
presentation

Vertical ventral (dog sitting)

Vertical dorsal
 Position
It is the relationship between vertebral column of foetus
with the four quadrants of pelvic inlet of the dam.
Position in Anterior Longitudinal Presentation: Dorso sacral, Dorso
pubic, right dorso ilial, left dorso ilial position.
Position in Posterior Longitudinal Presentation: Lumbo sacral, lubo
iliac right, lumbo iliac left, lumbo pubic.
Position in vertical presentation: Cephalo sacral, cephalo
pubic
 Left Dorso ilial
Dorso Sacral

Lumbo sacral
Dorso Pubic

Cephalo sacral
 Posture
Posture signifies the relation of the extremities or
the head, neck and the limbs of fetus to its own
body. The extremities may be flexed or extended
or retained beneath, on the right or left side or
above the fetus.
 Normal cases in uniparous animals are
Presentation: Anterior Longitudinal Presentation
Position: Dorso sacral position
Posture: Both the forelimb extended with the head resting on the
metacarpal bones & knee.
•Birth can take place without assistance, if the foetus is in the
posterior longitudinal presentation and lumbo-sacral
position.
• The transverse presentation is seen only rarely in ruminants
and multipara.
• The transverse presentation can occur in the mare in which
the foetus develops in both the uterine horns rather than the
uterine body and one horn.
• Posterior longitudinal presentation in a multiparous animal
is considered normal or physiological.
• Posture in multiparous animal is of no importance because
their limbs are small, short and flexible.
 Common form of dystocia in domestic
animals
Mare: Abnormal posture of the head and neck is one of the most
common. Wry neck is seen most commonly seen.
Cow: Disproportion between the fetal size and pelvic diameters are
common.
Ewe & Goat: Postural abnormalities and twin or triplet dystocias are
common.
Sow: Incidence of uterine inertia is high.
Bitch: Disproportion between the fetal size and pelvic diameters and
uterine inertia are common.
Obstetrical Operation
 Obstetrical Operation
The obstetrical operation may be divided into four
major classifications.
A. Mutation
B. Force traction
C. Fetotomy
D. Caesarean section (Hysterotomy)
A.Mutation
 A.Mutation
It is defined as those operation by which a fetus is returned to
a normal presentation, position and posture by repulsion,
rotation, version and adjustment or extension of the
extremities.
Mutation includes:
•Repulsion (Retropulsion)
•Rotation.
•Version.
•Extension & adjustment of the extremities
 Repulsion
It Consist of pushing the fetus out of the maternal pelvis or birth
canal into the abdominal cavity and uterus, where space is
available for correction of the abnormal position and posture of
the fetus and its extremities
Repulsion may be accomplished by
the operators arm or by the use of
a crutch or repeller placed on the
fetus between the shoulder &
pushing chest beneath the neck in anterior
presentation and in the perineal
region over the ischial arch in
posterior presentation
 Rotation
•It is the turning of the
fetus on its long axis
to bring the fetus into
a dorso-sacral position
(anterior presentation)
or lumbo-sacral
position (posterior
presentation).
Version
It is the rotation of the
fetus on its transverse
axis by repelling one end
and applying traction on
other end to bring the
fetus into either anterior
longitudinal or posterior
longitudinal
presentation
 Extension & adjustment of the
extremities
• It is the correction of abnormal posture usually
due to flexion of one or more of the extremities
causing dystocia.
• Three basic mechanical principal are necessary to
effect a prompt easy correction of a flexed
extremity:
• Repulsion of the proximal portion of the
extremity.
• Lateral rotation of the middle portion of the
extremity, carpus, tarsus, or neck.
• Traction on the distal portion of the extremity.
B. Force Extraction (Traction)
 B. Force Extraction (Traction)
The withdrawal of foetus from birth canal of the
dam by application of force is called force
traction.
Indication:
• Abnormalities of presentation, position or
posture have been corrected, either by
manipulaton or fetotomy.
• Fetal mass has been reduced by fetotomy.
• Inadequate maternal expulsive forces.
• Uterine inertia.
Contraindication:
• When abnormal presentation, position or posture
are present.
• When fetus is excessively large or defective.
• Small birth canal compared to fetal size.
• Secondary uterine inertia with the uterine wall
strongly contracted around the fetus
• Cervix fail to dilate
• When the animal is affected with obturator
paralysis.
• Severe lacerated birth canal.
Which rope should
apply first?
How to apply ropes ??

Application of head rope

Application of leg rope

 Direction of pull
•As the calf enters the pelvic inlet the pull should be
directed dorsally backward.
• As the head passes through the pelvis, it should be
directed horizontally backwards and once the head has
passed through the pelvis the direction of pull should be
downwards towards the cow’s hock.
•The subtle (artful) alteration of the direction of pull will
allow advantage of the greatest diameter of the pelvis and
also allow the calf to maintain a profile that will reduce its
diameter.
Direction of pull

Correct method

Incorrect method
 Uretch technique of traction
Anterior Presentation:
• Cross traction: Cross traction of fore limbs on anterior presentation
helps to reduce the shoulder dimension of the fetus and helps in
smooth passage of the thorax separately thereby the shoulder joint
of one limb passes ahead of other.
• Alternate 2 point traction: Extension of limbs separately thereby
the shoulder joint of the limb passes ahead of other.
• Alternate 3 point traction: Traction on fore limbs until the head is
through the pelvic inlet and then simultaneous traction on head
and limbs.
• Rotation of the fetus from dorso sacral to dorso ilial position to
prevent hiplock.
• Posterior Presentation: Rotation of the fetus from lumbo sacral to
lumbo ilial position and after the passage of the hip, the fetus is
rotated back to lumbo sacral position.
 The amount of traction to apply in forced
traction of the foetus
• Should not exceed four men
power in large animal.
• The normal expulsive force of the
calving cow is estimated to be 75
kg.
• In case of failure within 10 minutes
traction; it should be stopped and
the calf should be delivered by
caesarean section or by
foetotomy.
Using the force of two people (one
on each leg of the calf).
 C. Fetotomy
Fetotomy can be defined as the removal or division of certain parts
of foetus to reduce the size of the foetus. Foetotomy is used most
commonly in cattle, occasionally in horses, rarely in sheep & goat
and almost never in pigs and small animals.
Advantages of foetotomy :
• It reduces the size of the foetus.
• It avoids caesarean operation.
• It requires little assistance.
• It prevents possible trauma or injury to the dam during use of
excessive force traction.
Disadvantages of foetotomy :
• It may be dangerous, cause injuries or lacerations to the
uterus or birth canal by instruments or sharp edges of bones.
• The process may be time-taking and exhausting for both the
dam and the operator.
• It may be dangerous to the veterinarian by wound from
instruments.
• If the foetus is emphysematous, there is a possibility of
infection to the operator's arm
• Complete fetotomy: When a whole foetus is
divided into small pieces.
• Incomplete fetotomy: When a small part of the
foetus is removed.

Two techniques of foetotomy are in practice:

• Subcutaneous foetotomy: Removal of
decorticated limb (skin less limb) to reduce the
size of foetus .
• Percutaneous foetotomy: Removal of certain
parts of the foetus along with skin to reduce the
size of the foetus is called percutaneous
foetotomy.
Some terminology used in foetotomy operation :
• Decapitation: It is the separation of head at the
atlantlo-occipital joint.
• Decollation : It is the separation of neck at the
greatest curvature (i.e. the base of neck).
• Cephalotomy: Reducing the size of cranium by
simple puncture, incision or crushing of the cranial
envelope.
• Detruncation: Division of body.
• Evisceration (eventration) : The process by which
the volume of thoracic and abdominal cavity is
reduced by removing their organs.
Complete foetotomy in anterior presentation
1. Removal of the head.
2. Removal of fore legs.
3. Transverse division of thorax.
4. Removal of abdominal viscera.
5. Longitudinal division of pelvis.
 Complete foetotomy in anterior presentation

1. Removal of the head: If head is protruding from the vulva: attach rope to
the head and simply cut the head with a knife or scalpel.
• If head is within vagina: Fix the loop of foetotomy wire over the base of
the neck and then saw as close to the shoulder as possible.
 2. Removal of fore legs:
Fix the loop of
fetotomy wire over
the top of scapula of
the leg to be removed
and then saw the
foreleg.
After removing the head
and one fore leg, an
attempt should be
made to deliver the
calf by traction. If birth
is not yet possible,
remove the second leg
also.
3. Transverse division of thorax: The thorax of the calf is removed
by sawing the body across the caudal to the ribs in the lumbar region.
4. Removal of abdominal viscera: After removal of thorax, foetal
abdominal viscera become exposed and is removed manually foetus.

5. Longitudinal division of pelvis: Now the rear end of the foetus

is inside the uterus after removal of the thorax. Divide the pelvic
girdle longitudinally so that the caudal part of the foetus may be
removed in two smaller parts .
Complete foetotomy in posterior presentation

1. Removal of hind limbs.

2. Transverse division of trunk.
3. Longitudinal division of anterior part of body.
 Complete foetotomy in posterior presentation
1. Removal of hind limbs:

• The foetotome instrument is threaded and the wire-loop is placed over

one foot and passed over the limb so that the end of the loop lies
anterior and medial to the wing of foetal ilium.
• Now, the head of instrument is placed lateral to the anus, and the tail of
the calf must be included in the loop. This prevents the wire to slip
down the leg.
• After fixing the loop, sawing is started and the severed limb is removed.
• If delivery is still impossible, the other hind limb must be removed and
the fetus should be withdrawn as far as possible.
2. Transverse division of trunk :
If delivery is still impossible, then its trunk must be bisected
by means of the wire loop.
3. Longitudinal division of anterior part of body: One or if
necessary both forelimbs are amputed by passing the wire
between neck and fore limb.
D.Caesarean section
 D.Caesarean section

• The delivery of the foetus usually at

parturition by laparohysterotomy is called
caesarean section.
• Caeso matris utera means cutting of
mother's uterus.
Indications :
• Foetopelvic disproportion, including cases of misalliance and
post maturity.
• Foetal maldisposition, which cannot be corrected by
manipulation.
• Irreducible uterine torsion.
• Incomplete dilatation of cervix or other parts of birth canal.
• Foetal monsters, which cannot be delivered by other means.
• Uterine rupture or severe uterine haemorrhage.
• Foetal emphysema.
• Mummification and hydroallantois after failure of induction of
parturition by drugs.
• Bicornual pregnancy in mares.
• Pregnancy toxaemia in ewes and does.
• Rupture of prepubic tendon.
Site for operation:
Cow: Right para lumber fossa, left paralumber fossa,
ventro-lateral oblique incision. Left flank technique is
highly satisfactory for cow.
Bitch: Mid line or linea alba or mid ventral, the flank
region with an oblique angle parallel to last rib.
Sow: Vertical right or left incision, horizontal left or
right flank incision at about 1-3 inches above the
lateral edges of the udder.
Sheep & Goat: Right paralumber fossa, left paralumber
fossa, left para median.
Mare: Left flank, mid line.
Standing left paralumber Site for ventrolaterl

Oblique flank incision

Surgical technique:
Post operative care :
1. Opening of the flank.
1. Routine antibiotic
2. Locating the uterus cover (with strepto-
3. Opening of the uterus penicillin for 5-7
4. Removal of the foetus days).
5. Management of the 2. Fluid therapy.
placenta 3. Regular dressing
of wound.
6. Closing of the uterine
incision
7. Closing of the laparotomy
incision
Diagnosis and Treatment of Various Types
of Dystocia
 Various Types of Dystocia
A. Dystocia due to abnormal presentation, position & posture.
1. Dystocia in Anterior Presentation:
i) Dorso-ilial or dorso pubic position.
ii) Deviation of the Head and Neck.
Lateral deviation of head
Wry neck
Downward deviation of the head
iii) Deviation of the forelimbs:
Carpal flexion:
Shoulder flexion:
iv) Interlocking of the maternal and fetal pelves or Hip lock in
anterior presentation.
v) Forward extension of the hind limbs beneath the fetal body or
Dog sitting Posture.
2.Dystocia in posterior presentation.
i) Dystocia due to dorso-ilial or dorso pubic position in
posterior presentation
ii) Hock flexion
iii) Breech Presentation
iv) Dystocia due to Bicornual Pregnancy or Transverse
Presentation
v) Hip lock in posterior presentation.
B. Dystocia due to abnormal size of fetus:
C. Dystocia due to uterine displacement.
D. Dystocia due to stenosis or obstruction in the birth canal.
E. Dystocia due to postmortem changes in the fetus.
F. Dystocia due to Uterine Inertia.
Primary Uterine inertia
Secondary Uterine inertia
L ateral Deviation of the Head

This is one of the most common

types of dystocia in cow. The fetal
forelegs are normally found within
the vagina and the feet may
protrude through the vulva.
Correction of lateral deviation of head
 Wry neck
Common in equine but rarely in bovine foetuses.
• The cervical vertebrae are curved
• Articulations and atrophied muscle produce a
sharply bent “ muscle contracture” condition of
the neck resembling torticulis that cannot be
straightened.

Correction: Fetotomy is indicated

 Downdard deviation of Head
• Vertex presentation: Nose of the fetus is caught
on the brim of the pelvis with the forehead
entering the pelvic inlet .
• Poll presentation: Flexing of the head & neck
the ear & the top of the head are presenting.
• Nape presentation: Neck extend between the
forelimbs and the head is against the fetal
sternum or abdomen.
 Correction of Downward deviation of head
Correction: Apply snare at the limbs push the foetal head back into
the abdominal cavity. Locate the muzzle of the foetus, grasp by
mandible and pull it into the pelvic cavity. Apply traction to deliver the
foetus
 Deviation of the forelimbs
(Carpal flexion & Shoulder flexion
• Common in uniparous animals
• Rare in multipara because their forelimbs are
short and flexible
Correction of Retained Front Legs
 Hip lock in anterior presentation
Diagnosed by the head, forelimbs and a
portion of the thorax extend through the
vulva.

 Correction: Traction should

be applied in an arc like
curve, first backward and
then downward after
lubrication. Lateral traction
around the dams hip may
aid by pulling the fetal
pelvis through the maternal
pelvis at an oblique angle.
fetotomy is indicated.
 Dog sitting Posture

Abnormal posture in the anterior presentation

 Correction of dog sitting posture
Traction on forelimb and pushed back hind limbs into the uterus
making the fetus in normal presentation, position and posture and
the fetus can be delivered with mild traction.
Dystocia in Posterior presentation
Hock flexion
Correction of hock flexion
Breech Presentation
Correction of Retained Hind Legs, e.g. Breech Presentation
Dystocia due to Bicornual Pregnancy or
Transverse Presentation
 Hip lock in posterior presentation
Correction:
•Lubricated and repelled.
•Traction should be applied to only one rear limb at a
time or tie the two rear limbs together, place a long
handle between them and rotate & twist the hips as
traction is applied.
•In case of failure, fetotomy or caesarean section is
necessary
Dystocia due to stenosis or obstruction in
the birth canal
• It may be divided into several group according
to the structures affected-the pelvis, cervix,
vagina & vulva.
Correction: Correction of this type of dystocia
may be overcome in most cases with steady,
moderate traction in the proper direction or
directions on a well lubricated fetus. Fetotomy
or caesarean section may be indicated in
selected cases.
 B. Dystocia due to abnormal size of
fetus
•Fetal giantism
•Excessive volume of the fetal fluid (hydrops)
• Fetal monster and multiple birth in uniparous.

Correction:
•Vaginal examination is often difficult
•Traction if possible
•Fetotomy/CS
 C. Dystocia due to uterine displacement

• Uterine torsion,
• Inguinal or ventral hernias,
• Rupture of the prepubic tendon
• Vagino-cervical prolapsed.
 D. Dystocia due to stenosis or obstruction
in the birth canal
• Dystocia due to failure of the cervix to dilate: “ring womb”
especially in ewe
• cervical induration,
• primary uterine & cervical inertia, secondary uterine inertia.

Correction:
Mechanical means: by the operator’s hand & arm, cervical dilator,
a heavy rubber balloon.
Large dose of stillbesterol 50-100 mg/ or 20 mg of
dexamethasone.
Use of valethamate bromide for dilation of cervix.
 E. Dystocia due to postmortem changes in the fetus

These dystocias may be caused by

mummification of the fetus in cattle and by
fetal emphysema and fetal maceration in all
species.
 F. Dystocia due to Uterine Inertia

• Lack of normal physiologic uterine

contractions during or after parturition.
• Two types of uterine inertia are recognized-
Primary uterine inertia & Secondary uterine
inertia.
 Primary Uterine inertia
• It is seen most often in the dog, occasionally in the cow & sow and rarely
in the mare & ewe.
• It is produced by a lack of tone or failure of the uterine muscles to
contract.
Etiology & predisposing factors:
• lack or failure of release of hormones such as estrogen & possibly oxytocin
• More common in dairy than beef cattle.
• It is observed more in often in older dairy cows , dog & sow.
• Lack of exercise , Close confinement and excessive fat .
• hydrops and twin pregnancy ,large numbers of foetuses in small dog &
sow .
• Debility & debilitating diseases.
• Psychotic abnormalities & nervous voluntary inhibition of parturition due
to pain.
• Uterine infection, placentitis and hypocalcemia.
Clinical sign:
• Normal first stage of labor.
• The animal show no distress and eat & drink nearly
• But the second stage of labor does not occur for 6-
36 hours or more, if at all.
• The cervix is usually relaxed and dilatable but the
fetus and the fetal membranes are not being forced
into the cervix or birth passage.
• In some cases, in cattle the cervix fails to dilate .

Prognosis: is good in most cases that are diagnosed

early
 Treatment
• Traction force if cervix is dilated fully.
• oxytocin , @ 20-100 units, large animal
@10-20 units for small animals
• Calcium gluconate, @ 500 ml of a 20% solution in
cattle
@10 ml of a 10% solution in dog
I/V
• Feathering the vagina by inserting the finger or hand,
and stroking the dorsal wall of the vagina .
• Caesarean section.
 Secondary Uterine inertia
It usually follows a prolonged dystocia and is characterized by
exhaustion of the uterine muscle. It is seen in all species & more
common in large animals than is primary uterine inertia.

Clinical sign:
•History Diagnosis
•Bandl’s ring: the uterine • Based on the history of prolonged
muscle may become fatigue dystocia in multipara.
and produce contraction or • Abnormal position, posture, or
retraction ring also called presentation, and the contraction of
Bandl’s ring that contracts the uterine walls upon the fetus in
tightly around the fetus or large animals.
caudal to it.

Prognosis: Prognosis is more guarded than in primary uterine inertia.

 Correction
• Moderate traction after mutation

• In the sow remove fetus by traction the one causing

dystocia, give 1-2 ml oxytocin hormone. if the rest of
the litter is not expelled in 2-3 hours, another pig may
be by traction and the injection repeated or caesarean
section may be indicated.

• Morphine(15 gm) in dog.

• Fetotomy or caesarean section.