calving calls

the first entry on this page is being made right after cleaning up from a difficult calving - oversize calf, small heifer, head turned back around and not much room to work. sometimes the best calls on calving are when to stop pulling and get a different approach or call for help. i do the same thing on very difficult cases that merit referral to New Bolton Center. if no progress is being made after 30-40 minutes of labor, call for assistance so that the uterus and cervix don't start closing down.

and don't forget the lube! I used to use J-Lube for most cases because it worked so well - but it is well documented now that if some of that gets into the abdomen(as with a c-section or a uterine puncture)it will very likely cause a severe case of peritonitis that often is fatal.

stick with the usual AI lubes, keep a gallon on hand and in a pinch, use Crisco - it is actually a very good lube for calvings, especially breech births that are more difficult. this small extra effort helps get the calf out and may prevent or lessen the damage to the birth canal, keeping post-calving infections to a minimum.