Gynaecology and Obstetrics Section

 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

General physical examination

• The physical and general condition  of the animals should be noted. If recumbent, state of recumbency should be observed. Pulse, temperature, respiration, mucous membrane, hydration and rumen motility should be evaluated. Examination of the udder should be done. Significance of any abnormality should be considered.

Obstetric examination – external

• Attention to be paid to the changes observed in the vulva and surrounding area and vulvar discharges. Attention is paid to parts of the fetus protruding to asses the nature of dystocia – Are the exposed fetal parts moist or dry. If fetal membranes are protruding the nature of condition is evaluated. Are they moist and glistening. If membranes are dry and dark in colour the case is a protracted one. Attention should be paid to nature of discharge. Profuse bloody discharge generally indicate recent injury to the birth canal. A dark fetid discharge indicate a delayed case.

Obstetric examination – Internal

• Vaginal examination should be done only under hygienic condition. External genitalia and surrounding part thoroughly washed. In mare the tail should be bandaded, in bitch, sheep and goat the hairs around perineum clipped. The operator should wash his hands and lubricate it before proceeding to make a vaginal examination. Epidural anesthesia may be induced to prevent straining and defecation. The birth canal should be examined to see if it is dilated, twisted, inflammed, swollen or necrotic. The degree of dilation or relaxation of the cervix should be noted. The size of pelvic inlet, vagina and vulva in relation to size of fetus should be assessed. The fetus should be examined for any abnormal presentation, position and posture. The fetus should be examined if it dead or alive by assesing the pedal and suckling reflex  in anterior and anal reflex in posterior presentation as these alters the prognosis or the manner in which the case is to be handled. If the fetus is dead, the degree of decomposition should be accurately determined by the amount of subcutaneous edema or emphysema  whether if there is sloughing of hairs. If the fetus is alive the part of the presenting foetus to be identified either as fore limb or hind limb.