This document provides information on diagnosing and treating dystocia, or difficult birth, in goats. It describes various abnormal birthing positions including forelegs flexed, one leg retained, head turned to side, breech presentation, and upside down presentation. Treatment may involve pushing or pulling legs and head into proper alignment, using an OB snare, or in severe cases performing a fetotomy or C-section. Proper nutrition, rest, and avoiding stress during pregnancy can help prevent dystocia.
13. fMLVksfd;k% This position looks correct at first but notice the way the forelegs are flexed.Before this kid can be delivered the head must be pushed back and the legs pulled to an extended position.Use the OB snare to keep the hooves from going back into the birth canal when you push on the head.
14. fMLVksfd;k% This is what we call the "jack knife". The forelegs are presented normally but the hind legs are in the pelvic canal.The hind legs must be pushed back out of the canal while holding the forelegs with the OB snare.
15. fMLVksfd;k% Now, this little fella really doesn't know if he wants to be born or not. He wants to "test the water" with just one toe before he jumps out.With one foreleg retained both the head and the extended foreleg must be pushed back and the flexed leg straightened and brought into position alongside the extended leg.
16. fMLVksfd;k% If the head is turned to the side or flipped back along the spine then push the forelegs back to make room for your hand and move the head into the correct position. Hook the OB snare around the kid's head before you remove your hand because they will almost always put their head back where it was if it isn't held straight.
17. fMLVksfd;k% The head tilted down toward the belly can sometimes be straightened out without pushing the forelegs all the way back in. Capture the forelegs with the OB snare before sticking your hand in there to re-align the head.
18. fMLVksfd;k% With the head and neck turned all the way to the side like this you are in a difficult situation.Push the forelegs back in, straighten the head and neck and hold them in place with the OB snare while you move the forelegs back into the birth canal.It is not unusual for this position to result in a bad ending. Fetotomy or Caesarian section are often required
19. fMLVksfd;k% This is the normal posterior position.Gently pull the hind legs outward and down (toward the mamma's feet).
20. fMLVksfd;k% This is the classic breech position. It requires that you press forward on the rump and bring the hind legs into the birth canal. This creates the normal posterior position.
21. fMLVksfd;k% The posterior position with one leg retained requires that the exposed leg be pushed forward and then both it and the retained leg re-aligned together in the birth canal into the normal posterior position (as in the previous figure).
22. fMLVksfd;k% With the kid upside down you need to rotate it to it's normal position. Easier said than done but once accomplished he'll probably be delivered on the first few heaves after you remove your hand
23. fMLVksfd;k% This position requires that you first rotate the kid to the normal feet down position then extend the forelegs and head for normal delivery.