Australasian Veterinary Examination, formerly the National Veterinary Examination Veterinary Obstetrics: practice questions

1 · Normal parturition · medium

A mare's allantochorion ruptured and she has been straining strongly for 35 minutes without progress. What is the right assessment?

1. This is normal; second-stage labour in the mare commonly lasts 4-6 hours
2. Give oxytocin and wait another two hours before any vaginal examination is attempted
3. Wait until the next morning
4. This is an emergency, because equine second stage is normally about 10-30 minutes

2 · Normal parturition · hard

A sow delivers 13 piglets. If the first is born at time zero and the rest follow at regular 15-minute intervals, how long does expulsion take?

1. 1.8 hours
2. 3 hours
3. 3 hours 15 minutes
4. 13 hours

3 · Normal parturition · medium

Which finding at a calving shows that the fetus is alive?

1. A pedal withdrawal reflex when the interdigital skin is pinched
2. A dry, sticky birth canal after both water bags have already ruptured
3. Hair that pulls away easily from the skin of the limbs
4. Crepitus under the skin

4 · Foetal dystocia · medium

At a calving you feel two forefeet with the soles facing down and a head. Beside them are two feet with the soles facing up. What should be done before any traction?

1. Roll the cow for torsion
2. Establish which limbs belong to which calf, since twins are presenting together
3. Perform a fetotomy immediately on whichever calf is nearest to the vulva
4. Apply chains to all four limbs and pull them all together with steady, firm traction

5 · Fetotomy · medium

A dead calf with a lateral head deviation cannot be corrected because the neck is rigid. The cervix is fully dilated and there is ample room. What is the most appropriate first cut?

1. Transverse cut through the pelvis
2. Removal of both hindlimbs
3. Removal of the head and neck with the wire saw
4. Splitting the thorax longitudinally

6 · Uterine prolapse · medium

Which position most helps replacement of a prolapsed uterus in a recumbent cow?

1. Left lateral recumbency with the head uphill and neck extended
2. Sternal recumbency with both hindlimbs drawn out behind her
3. Dorsal recumbency with the hindlimbs flexed forward
4. Standing with the hind end lower than the forequarters

7 · Retained placenta · medium

What does current evidence advise about routine manual removal of retained membranes in the cow?

1. It should be done at 2 hours after calving in every cow, to prevent metritis
2. It is not recommended, because it damages caruncles and does not improve fertility
3. It prevents all cases of metritis when combined with intrauterine antibiotic pessaries
4. It is the only effective treatment

8 · Neonatal care · medium

Why is hanging a newborn calf upside down no longer recommended to clear its airway?

1. It causes neonatal isoerythrolysis by forcing colostrum into the blood
2. It can prevent normal gut closure, so the calf keeps absorbing antibodies far too long
3. It drains mainly stomach fluid rather than lung fluid and can impair breathing
4. It makes the calf too warm