Calving Difficulties and Solutions – Vet Guide 2025 🐄👶🛠️

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Calving can be routine, but when difficulties arise, quick and expert action saves calves and preserves cow fertility. This 2025 guide covers recognizing prolonged labor, safe calf extraction, stimulation techniques, and when to bring in veterinary assistance—supported at every step by Ask A Vet.

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1. Understanding Stage II Labor ⏱️

Stage II starts with the onset of strong contractions and the appearance of the waterbag. It typically lasts 2–4 h. However, Dr Glenn Selk’s field guidelines advise:

• Mature cows: Assist after 30 min of active straining with no progress.
• Heifers: Wait no more than 60 min before examining.

This proactive approach prevents calf loss in protracted labor. ---

2. Signs of Dystocia 💡

• No waterbag or fetal presentation after 30–60 min of straining.
• Cow pacing, tail flagging, repeated straining with no progress.
• Visible distress signs—restlessness or vocalizing.

Immediate examination is essential to determine calf positioning and cervix dilation. ---

3. Safe Vaginal Examination & Extraction

Before any assistance:

1. Wear sleeves & lubrication. Perform a vaginal exam to assess position and cervical dilation.
2. If cervix isn't open, stop and contact your veterinarian—aggressive pulling risks tearing.
3. If cervix is dilated and calf position is normal head-first, apply steady traction in line with the birth canal in sync with contractions.
4. If calf is malpositioned (e.g., backward, limbs mismatched), reposition carefully using sterile obstetric tools, then pull.

Stopping to reposition—even if it delays birth—protects both cow fertility and calf survival.

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4. When to Call the Veterinarian 🩺

• Cervix not dilated and no progress.
• Calf malpositioned and cannot be safely repositioned.
• Cow exhausted, weak contractions, or showing signs of systemic distress.
• Obvious trauma to vaginal or cervical tissues.

Prompt call-out can prevent necrosis, infection, infertility, or need for c-section. ---

5. Safe Calf Resuscitation & Breathing Aids

Once the calf is born:

• Do not hang calves upside down—this backfires by hampering breathing and draining stomach fluids.
• Keep the head and neck level; use a suction bulb to clear mouth and nostrils.
• Tickle the nose with clean straw or straw applicator—it triggers the reflex to breathe.
• Use gentle chest pressure (“chest pump”) if necessary.
• Stimulate calves to stand and nurse once breathing is strong.

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6. Post-Assistance Cow & Calf Care

• Check the cow’s cervix and vagina for tears—reports to Ask A Vet can guide trauma care.
• Start antibiotics or anti-inflammatories if mucosal trauma occurred.
• Ensure the calf nurses or receives quality colostrum within 4–6 h.
• Monitor the cow for retained placenta, metritis, or unusual discharge.

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7. How Ask A Vet Helps 📱

• Quick consultation during stage II delays—you can send videos from the calving pen.
• Guidance on safe vaginal exam techniques and identifying dilation.
• Step-by-step instructions for assisted delivery or re-positioning.
• Advice on postpartum cow health monitoring and wound care.
• Support for calf breathing stimulation techniques and colostrum care.

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8. Planning Ahead for Smooth Calving

• Keep a clean, well-lit calving area with clean water, hoof-cleaning supplies, lubrication, and suction bulb ready.
• Have a calving kit on hand—all essential tools within reach.
• Create a protocol: monitor times, contact vet thresholds, calf stimulation steps.
• Record dystocia events and outcomes to optimize future herd calving strategies.

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9. 2025 Key Take‑Home Messages

• Timely monitoring is critical: stage II shouldn't stretch beyond 30–60 minutes without progress.
• Examine before assisting: ensure cervix dilation to avoid trauma.
• Safe delivery techniques: aligned pull, correct positioning.
• Calf respiratory support: suction, tickle, chest stimulation—no upside-down hanging.
• Calf and cow follow-up: colostrum, trauma management, infection prevention.
• Ask A Vet is the calving-side partner: for live guidance and best outcomes.

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Conclusion

Calving complications demand decisive, skilled responses. By recognizing dystocia early, assisting safely, and supporting newborn vitality, you preserve health and productivity—and protect future fertility. Ask A Vet is ready to assist you in real-time, ensuring calm, expert action on-farm. Here's to healthier calvings and stronger beginnings in 2025 and beyond! 🐄❤️