Causes and treatment of dystocia in Iraqi Awassi Ewes

Abstract EN

A one hundred thirty two Awassi ewes aged between 1.5-4 years old suffering from dystocia, were brought by farmer to Veterinary Teaching Hospital related to College of Veterinary Medicine-University of Mosul-Mosul governorate- Iraq, treated during the lambing seasons for three years started from November 2010 to end of December 2012.

Results of this study were recorded ring womb as main causes of dystocia, the maximum percentage was 81.8 % ( 108,132).

The other causes of dystocia were fetal mal-position 8.3 % (11,132), narrow pelvic 5.3 % ( 7,132), monster fetus % 3.0 (132,4), complicated cases (interfering more than one cause) 1.5 % (2,132).

although several methods of treatment have been tried, correction and manual treatment, hormonal treatment, cesarean section and fetotomy: Cesarean section had higher a positive response during treatment 61.2 %, correction and manual traction recorded as second best treatment of dystocia 24.2 %, hormonal treatment 12.8 % and fetotomy 0.7 %.

It could be concluded that ringworm (maternal origin) was the major causes of dystocia in Iraqi Awassi ewes ; cesarean section appears to be a safe and successful procedures for management of dystocia if performed as early as possible.