Normal Parturition

Normal parturition in the female camelidae has been described in detail elsewhere in the present publication (cf. Physiology of parturition). This process is usually divided into 3 stages of different duration. In most cases parturition is easy.^{(2, 3, 4, 51, 52, 56, 65)} The first stage of labor (preparation stage) is the most variable in terms of duration and is usually completed in 24 to 48 hours. Its principal action is the positioning of the fetus and its engagement in the birth canal. This is done through regular uterine contractions forcing the cervix to open. The second stage of labor or expulsion of the fetus is the most critical stage of parturition. It is of short duration in camelidae (30 to 90 minutes), characterized by forceful abdominal and uterine contractions allowing expulsion of the fetus. It is during this phase that most dystocias are suspected. The last stage of labor is the expulsion of the placenta. It is usually completed within the first 3 hours after parturition.

In order to better understand and evaluate the progress of labor, three terms are used to describe the fetal orientation during birth: presentation, posture, and position.

Fetal presentation describes the orientation of the dorsal axis of the fetus in relation to that of the dam as well as the part of the fetus that is presented at the level of the birth canal. Thus fetal presentation can be:

1.    anterior, longitudinal presentation in which the dorsal axis of the fetus and dam are in the same plane and the head and forelegs are presented first (Figure 10.1).

2.    posterior longitudinal presentation in which the dorsal axis of the fetus and dam are in the same plane and the fetal hind legs are presented first. This is rare in camelidae (Figure 10.2).

3.    transverse ventral presentation in which the fetal dorsal axis is perpendicular to that of the dam and the abdomen of the fetus is presented to the pelvic canal.

4.    transverse dorsal presentation in which the fetal dorsal axis is perpendicular to that of the dam with the back presented to the pelvic canal.

The position of the fetus is characterized by the orientation of specific parts of the fetus (withers, head, pelvis) in relation to the different components of the birth canal of the dam (sacrum, ilium and pubis). Using these criteria the possible positions are:

1.    a dorso-sacral position in which the dorsal axis of the fetus is aligned with the sacrum of the dam. This position is possible when the fetus is in longitudinal anterior presentation.

2.    a left or right dorso-iliac position in which the fetus is rotated in such a manner that its dorsal axis is in apposition with the right or left ilium.

3.    lombo-sacral; the lombar part of the fetus is facing the sacrum of the dam

4.    lombo-ilial; the lombar part of the fetus is facing the ilium of the dam

5.    lombo-pubic; the lombar part of the fetus is facing the pubis of the dam

The posture of the fetus describes the position of the head, limbs and neck of the fetus in relation to its body. The head and neck can be extended or deviated laterally, ventrally or dorsally. The limbs are extended or flexed at different degrees above or under the fetus.
 

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