Question, 4 days past due with twins (updated: Pic )

[rackranch]

I decided to palpate a cow this morning that is 4 days past due and found twins.  One calve is sitting nose front ready to go but I didn't feel the front feet.  I think they are folded under the chest. The other was head first sitting right at the first ones right hip.  My experience is that twins come early and not late.  So know I'm wondering. I had problems with her last year and had to pull her calve but don't think she will have that issue this year because these babies are small.

What would you do? Induce her now or wait?  Pros and cons...

 

[cbcr]

With her being past due, I would get the vet out to make sure the position of the calves and if he thinks it is necessary then go ahead and take them.  If you wait too long they could die and then more problems.

 

[Okotoks]

It is unusual for twins to be late so before you rush is there a possibility she is due to the next cycle?
I hate interfering if it is not necessary. I would watch her closely if that is possible just to make sure the presentation is right when she starts to deliver. The worst presentation is if the first calf is a breech then the cow doesn't show typical signs of labor.

 

[rackranch]

She is timed Ai and has never seen a bull so her date of conception is known.  The reason I palpated today is because I saw her lay down yesterday afternoon and pushed lightly but enough to where her external vagina and anus pushed out about 6-8 inches.  I wanted to check foe mal position this morning.  Like I mentioned , I felt head in right position but was unsure the calves feet where in the birth canal too.  I looked for a twin because the first calve felt small.  Second calve seemed to be in a good position to me.

I'm thinking about giving her 25cc of DEX only?? Thanks for any input.

 

[obie105]

I had a cow this spring act like she was trying to push for a day off and on. Not hard labor but you could tell she was uncomfortable. It was her due date with an embryo and we didn't have a bull so I knew she was due. I palpated but couldn't feel much. She's big and I'm short. I talked to the vet and he said go in vaginally and feel. I asked what if I break the water bag and his response was if it is where you can break it things need to get going anyhow. I ended up just having him come out and he broke the water bag and pulled a backwards calf. The bad position kept her from having it on her own. I would have a vet out to check before giving drugs especially if you know there is already twins.

 

[Okotoks]

I had a cow this spring act like she was trying to push for a day off and on. Not hard labor but you could tell she was uncomfortable. It was her due date with an embryo and we didn't have a bull so I knew she was due. I palpated but couldn't feel much. She's big and I'm short. I talked to the vet and he said go in vaginally and feel. I asked what if I break the water bag and his response was if it is where you can break it things need to get going anyhow. I ended up just having him come out and he broke the water bag and pulled a backwards calf. The bad position kept her from having it on her own. I would have a vet out to check before giving drugs especially if you know there is already twins.

I agree, if you know the breeding date and the calves are malpresentated I would call a vet. She may be in labor and the presentation is preventing her from delivering or even dilating properly. If she is starting drugs won't change the situation. I would get the vet to check her, you might be on borrowed time.

 

[DL]

I decided to palpate a cow this morning that is 4 days past due and found twins.  One calve is sitting nose front ready to go but I didn't feel the front feet.  I think they are folded under the chest. The other was head first sitting right at the first ones right hip.  My experience is that twins come early and not late.  So know I'm wondering. I had problems with her last year and had to pull her calve but don't think she will have that issue this year because these babies are small.

What would you do? Induce her now or wait?  Pros and cons...

It is unusual for twins to go late (as mentioned) it is also less common for them to be both in the normal head first position - ie usually one is head first and the other rear legs first - with the scenario you present  I would be worried that perhaps you have co joined twins (ie they are stuck together at some point, ie at the chest, abdomen etc).  If this is the case you may induce yourself into a wreck. I would call your vet and depending on the value of your cow and her genetics (to you) perhaps consider a c- section

 

[rackranch]

Brought her up to barn and Vet checked her.  Not twins, we are waiting her out now.  Thanks Guys

 

[ROMAX]

I had a cow go 6 days over with triplets,no problems.

 

[rackranch]

Just one big ol long legged heifer..

Joe B 253 X Johnny Walker X Gert