Spring in the Practice.

Easter is always welcome; it is the indicator for spring.  A March Easter may have a greater chance of snow and winter ice surprises.  Whenever it comes it is a welcome change from the winter blahs.   Spring is a time of renewal there is green grass, fresh aromatic flowers, and usually new chicks, ducklings and baby animals. 

You develop a new found respect for testosterone driven roosters and brooding hens.  This is a biological fact triggered by increasing ultraviolet light with increased daylight hours.   A nesting bird of any species is classified as irritable if you invade its personal space.   If you find a nest any food and water furnished will be taken grumpily.  You need to be extremely patient, efficient and fast or wear protective long sleeves and gloves.  They will peck you very smartly. 

Baby pigs were always a treat to be around.  The only thing cuter than a day old pig is a grandchild.  They have a photogenic facet that is just adorable.  They melt your emotions and heart, but you need to be gentle.  They have a safeguard system called the mother sow.  I am not afraid of any animal but a mad sow or a unhappy Rottweiler generate the most respect for me.   They have an activity I think I was in on the prototype level.  You know these places that encourage rock wall climbing.  Where they have knobs bolted on and the climbers wear a safety line.  I distinctly remember one litter in a narrow horse stall.   I did not know about personal safety items, helmet, elbow pads, knee protectors at that time.  What will they think of next? I had to go in and examine the sow and one or two of her piglets.  I was being very cautious as the sow had mastitis (infection of the mammary glands) and some of the piglets were ill from changes in the milk, from either infection or altering milk protein from an elevated body temperature.   The piglets were nursing when I got to the stall so I quietly entered and started examining her udders.  I was trying to evaluate the sow's nipples for cuts, lacerations or discharge and was not able to find any.  I had visually looked for a reproductive discharge.  It was going very well until I tried to pick up and move a piglet.  It took exception to my efforts and started squealing as only a baby pig can.  The sow came straight up and was whipping around towards me.  My visual impression was she had morphed into a Grizzly bear sow in a heartbeat.  There were a lot of teeth exposed, they were all snapping shut at a high speed and the sow was reducing the distance between us at what seemed like the speed of light.  Luckily I was able to jump up and reach the top of the stall walls.  I got all of my extremities and dangling posterior out of harms way.  The owner has become one of our best friends and clients since starting my practice in Milan.  She was amazed at the speed I went up that wall.  I was able to climb over the top and get down with out bodily harm.  As we age our reflexes pick up some baggage.  I have weight handicapped mine also.  I do not wish to attempt the same scenario at this juncture of my career.  Maybe with protective equipment they now have.  Nah, it seems safer to stay on the outside of a pen with piglets in it. 

Cows with a newborn calf by their side are in the same class of critters.  You can do the math 1200 to 1400 pounds of mad maternal beef is another weight to injury ratio just waiting to happen.   A five to seven weight ratio is not favorable if you are the one being squished into the ground or corner of the pen.   If you have worked around some cows they will let you into their personal safety zone. 

People working around cattle or other large animals develop a way of "reading" posture and look for signs of impending attitude change.   Not all animals are mean and willing to bust you up as a first choice.  There are places that have adequate chutes and containment systems for beef cattle.  There are of course halters or ropes that are used as needed.  I can assure you a cow with a dystocia (difficult birthing) is not interested in her first halter breaking lesson.  Lassos with a quick release hondas are helpful.  The honda is a metal loop that will open the loop with out having to slip the rope back over the head and horns.  This is good unless the animal is struggling and buts tension on the rope when released.   It will spring back like it is on a massive rubber band.  My face has a two inch scar from one such incident.

There seems to be a universal reaction to birthing the next generation.  The common denominator is pain and exhaustion.  Veterinarians are able to some times able to use the exhaustion and concentration on contractions to our advantage.  Some dogs, mares and cows will allow you if you are quiet and gentle with them to glove and lubricate up.  They are so focused on delivery contractions they almost do not know you are present.   Being able to figure out where the fetus is twisted up prior to making decisions about assisting delivery or the need for a caesarian section.  This is huge in planning.  I have found this immeasurably helpful in describing what is happening to the owner.  Surgical deliveries have their own set of problems to consider.   Cows, horses, pigs are either done on the farm or at least referred to places like MSU Veterinary Clinical Center.  I have done sections on farms it is not my first choice.  The operating tables and surgical suites are much cleaner than most barns.   Post operative infections are higher with farm C-sections. 

In clinic C-sections can have both good and bad outcomes.  There is never an ideal section.  Pups are born dead, born alive and succumb after intensive resuscitation attempts or there may be surgical surprises with the mother.  I have had uneventful and joyous C-Sections and I really enjoy the rush one gets when it turns out right.  It is labor intensive with a litter of pups when they are section puppies.  They usually are out in a rapid sequencing.  It takes many hands to clean out mouths, throats and get that first breath taken.   The work load increases for the owner when the mother does not survive.  Puppies need lots of feeding and care.

For more information about a specific case, consult your veterinarian.          
The outside of a pet is good for the inside of a human.