DYSTOCIA- means difficult birth

When the first or specially second stage of parturition is abnormally prolonged & it become difficult for dam to expel the fetus by its expulsive efforts alone

Causes of dystocia Immediate causes Basic causes

 Maternal causes Foetal causes

Narrowing of birth canal

Expulsive insufficiency Abdominal level Uterine level

Uterine level 1. uterine inertia (a) primary uterine inertia (b) secondary uterine 2. rupture of uterus 3. torsion of uterus 4. infectious condition of uterus Abdominal level 1. age, pain, debility 2. herniation of uterus 3. perforation in trachea 4. rupture of diaphragm etc

Foetal oversize absolute oversize relative oversize

Faulty disposition of foetus

Foetal monster

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Hereditary causes Nutritional & Managemental causes Infectious causes

Traumatic causes
Miscellaneous causes

Hereditary causes
Hidden or recessive gene may produce defect in the dam or

foetus. Hereditary defects in dam 1. inguinal hernia 2. uterus unicornis & uterus didelphis 3. persistence of mullerian duct 4. twinning etc. Hereditary defects in foetus 1. dropsy of foetal membrane 2. foetal anasarca & gigantism 3. muscular hypertrophy 4. achondroplastic & hydrocephalic calf etc.

Nutritional & Managemental causes

Breeding of immature heifers Close confinement of pregnant animals Mating b/w small & large size breeds

Improper nutrition of growing heifers Deficiency of vitamin A, D or calcium etc. Excessive feeding of the heifers during last trimester of pregnancy

Infectious causes
Infection at time of mating or AI. All infectious diseases like Brucellosis Vibriosis Leptospirosis etc.

Traumatic causes
Ventral hernia Rupture of prepubic tendon Sudden slipping or falling Fracture of pelvis

Miscellaneous causes

Improper balance of harmones Failure of uterine muscle to react to oxytocin Minor abnormalities in posture Lateral deviation of head Lateral deviation of neck Flexed knee etc.