Management of dystocia in cattle

THE majority of new graduates usually want to start their professional life in mixed practice. With the diminishing proportion of farm animal work in many mixed practices, it now often takes longer for the recent graduate to build up sufficient expertise and confidence to deal with cases of bovine dystocia. Yet, after a few months in practice, there is an expectation by many clients and employers that the young vet should be able to cope unaided with all obstetrical eventualities. This article advises on obstetrical decision making and describes how to institute corrective manoeuvres. it also discusses how to recognise and treat some of the more common complications that might arise.