Retrospective Studies on Dystocia in Ewes: Causes and Treatment by Cesarean Section

Abstract

The objectives of the present study are to know the main causes of dystocia. A total of twenty-two native sheep suffered from dystocia. Cases were treated in the veterinary hospital/ teaching hospital / University of Sulaimani. Out of twenty-two sheep suffered from dystocia, 14(63.6%) resulted from fatal causes and 8(36.4%) from maternal causes. Fetal status represented by 4(28.6%), 2(14.4%), 3(21.4%), 1(7.1%), 3(21.4%) and 1(7.1%), for schistosomus reflexus, oversize, head deviation, breach presentation, bilateral shoulder flection and transverse presentation, respectively. While maternal causes are classified as, 4 (50%) for ring womb, 2(25%) for uterine prolapse and 2(25%), for narrow pelvis. Parity, sex of the fetus and viability of the fetus are considered predisposing factors to cause dystocia in sheep. All Emergency cases of dystocia are treated through cesarean section. The sequel of postoperative surgical operation is represented by 3(13.6%), 7(31.8%), 2(8%), and 1(4.5%), for retained placenta, metritis, uterine prolapse and bleeding, respectively. Whereas, the effect of cesarean section on the fertility of sheep is represented by 8(42.1), and 11(57.9%), for pregnant and non-pregnant, respectively. In addition, the mortality rate of sheep in the study reached 3(13.6%), because of postpartum uterine infections. In conclusion, generally dystocia in sheep results from fetal and maternal causes, and due to prolonged time of labor the early intervention by cesarean section could be for saving the lambs and the dam.