Post-Calving Care of the Dam

Always rectally palpate the cow after calving to check for a twin.

Discuss with your herd veterinarian about post-calving vaginal exams in the cows. This procedure should be considered in all dystocia cases in order to detect if another calf is present or if there is trauma to the reproductive tract. Vaginal exams may not be necessary in cows that have calved on their own as trauma in these cows is uncommon. If you do decide to perform a vaginal exam on the cow, clean the area around the vulva and rectum. Scrub your hands and arms and wear plastic rectal sleeves to help prevent introduction of disease causing agents into the reproductive tract of the cow. This procedure should not take precedence over the initial care of the newborn calf.

Monitor for retained fetal membranes -
The fetal membranes (placenta) should be expelled 2-8 hours after calving. However, they are not considered retained until 12 hours after calving. Make a plan with your herd veterinarian about treatment of retained fetal membranes. As a rule of thumb you should not manually remove the membranes, as this can be detrimental to future reproductive performance. Use of intrauterine antibiotics is controversial and should be discussed with your herd veterinarian before implementing such protocols. It may be helpful to cut the membranes close to the vulva to decrease the amount of contamination to the uterus from environmental organisms.

Watch for uterine prolapse -
Prolapse of the uterus occurs in stage 3 of calving. This may occur as a result of excessive force of delivery or uterine inertia (the uterus stops contracting) due to metabolic problems (i.e. Milk Fever). Uterine prolapse may occur within a couple of hours or a couple of days after a normal calving. The signs of this condition are obvious. As soon as a prolapse is seen your veterinarian should be contacted. Keep the cow or heifer quiet and prevent further contamination by placing the animal in a clean area. Every case of uterine prolapse should be considered urgent because the cow can go into shock and die.

Monitor for trauma and infection in the reproductive tract -
Watch for any discharge and consult with your herd veterinarian about treatment of any infections and or trauma. Some conditions may be painful and cause the cow to strain.

Watch for any metabolic disorders (i.e. Milk Fever) -
Discuss with your veterinarian about a protocol for treatment of metabolic disorders following calving.

Nerve Damage -
Excessive pulling can pinch nerves that are close the the birth canal. These cows may not be able to walk and have a splay leg appearance. These cows may get better on their own or may need assistance getting up. They may also benefit from the use of hobbles on their hind legs. Discuss with your veterinarian a proper protocol for dealing with these cows.