Bhandhavi M.V.S.S.S.,
Jyothi K.,
Sudheer Kumar M.,
Megha Varna P.,
Satish Chandra M.,
- Scholar, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Scholar, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Scholar, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Scholar, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract
A full term pregnant, primiparous ewe was presented to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Proddatur with the history of non-progressive straining persisting for the past 24 hours. The owner reported that attempts had previously been made by local quacks to assist in the delivery, but all the efforts proved unsuccessful, and the condition remained unresolved. The ewe had not shown any signs of improvement following the unskilled intervention. The clinical observations revealed that the vital parameters were within normal physiological limits (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate were all normal). The conjunctival mucous membrane appeared pale pink. Feed and water intake was normal, and the ewe was found to be alert and responsive. A detailed per vaginal examination was performed, which revealed a significant constriction at the vulvo-vestibular junction. Further palpation identified that one limb was extended into the cervix, and there was evidence of incomplete cervical dilation, which contributed to the dystocia. After complete dilation of cervix using PGE2, episiotomy was performed under caudal epidural anaesthesia and the dead female foetus was successfully delivered per vagina. Post-operative care was provided, and the ewe exhibited uneventful recovery without any complications. The case highlights the importance of timely veterinary intervention, and the risks associated with unskilled obstetrical handling in field conditions.
Keywords: Primiparous, episiotomy, incomplete cervical dilation, PGE2, dystocia
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology ]
Bhandhavi M.V.S.S.S., Jyothi K., Sudheer Kumar M., Megha Varna P., Satish Chandra M.. Episiotomy in Nellore Brown Ewe Successfully Relieved Dystocia Due to Vulvo Vestibular Constriction. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):30-34.
Bhandhavi M.V.S.S.S., Jyothi K., Sudheer Kumar M., Megha Varna P., Satish Chandra M.. Episiotomy in Nellore Brown Ewe Successfully Relieved Dystocia Due to Vulvo Vestibular Constriction. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):30-34. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjovst/article=2025/view=216727
References
- Ali AMH. Causes and management of dystocia in small ruminants in Saudi Arabia. J Agric Vet Sci. 2011;4(2):95–108.
- Pandey AK, Mudasir M, Wani JM, Kumar S, Kumar S. Management of dystocia in sheep – a case report. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2018;7(10):1800–3.
- Cowley J, Stockler J, Maxwell H. A review of small ruminant Cesarean section: case selection, surgical techniques, care of the neonates, and postoperative care of the dam. Clin Theriogenol. 2023;15:70–81.
- Ismail ZB. Dystocia in sheep and goats: outcome and fertility following surgical and non-surgical management. Maced Vet Rev. 2017;40(1):91–6.
- Safdar AHA, Kor NM. Parturition mechanisms in ruminants: a complete overview. Eur J Exp Biol. 2014;4(3):211–8.
- Ahmed A, Balarabe AT, Jibril A, Sidi S, Jimoh AA, Gobe RM. Incidence and causes of dystocia in small ruminants in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwestern, Nigeria. Sch J Agric Vet Sci. 2017;4(3):114–8.
- Jacobson C, Bruce M, Kenyon PR, Lockwood A, Miller D, Refshauge G, et al. A review of dystocia in sheep. Small Rumin Res. 2020;192:106209.
- Purohit GN. Dystocia in the sheep and goat – a review. Indian J Small Rumin. 2006;12(1):1–12.
- Aitken ID, editor. Diseases of Sheep. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell; 2007.
- Noakes DE, Parkinson TJ, England GCW, editors. Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics. 10th ed. London: Saunders (Elsevier); 2019. 848 p.
- Bhattacharyya HK, Bhat FA, Buchoo BA. Prevalence of dystocia in sheep and goats: A study of 70 cases (2004–2011). J Adv Vet Res. 2015;5(1):14–20.
- Galatos AD. Anesthesia and analgesia in sheep and goats. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2011;27(1):47.
- Purohit GN, Barolia Y, Shekhar C, Kumar P. Maternal dystocia in cows and buffaloes: A review. Open J Anim Sci. 2011;1(2):41–53.
- Norman S, Youngquist RS. Parturition and dystocia. In: Youngquist RS, Threlfall WR, editors. Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders (Elsevier); 2007. p. 310–35.
- Abdullah FF, Chung EL, Sadiq MA, Abba Y, Tijjani A, Mohammed K, et al. Management of fetal dystocia caused by carpal flexion in ewe: a case report. J Adv Vet Anim Res. 2015;2(2):225–8.
- Hemalatha H, Murugavel K, Antoine D, Kantharaj S, Raju MS. Episiotomy to relieve dystocia due to infantile vulva in a goat. Indian J Anim Reprod. 2018;39(2):74–5.
- Behera H, Patra BK, Das J, Narayan Prasad UVS, Naik M. Delivery of dead foetus by episiotomy in an indigenous cow. Indian J Anim Reprod. 2023;44(2):101–3.
- Dalal J, Saini A, Gunwant P, Pandey AK, Singh G, Chandolia RK. Episiotomy to relieve dystocia due to vulvar stenosis and persistent hymen in a crossbred cow heifer. Indian J Anim Reprod. 2016;37(2).
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 02 |
| Received | 09/04/2025 |
| Accepted | 10/05/2025 |
| Published | 14/05/2025 |
| Publication Time | 35 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics