Managing Small Ruminant Dystocia

Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a concern for every livestock producer. A little preparation can help you feel prepared to handle even the most difficult of births on your farm. Once kidding or lambing has started, it is important to monitor for progress. Once a water bag is visible, feet should appear within 30 minutes. Once feet are visible, progress should continue with the first lamb or kid being delivered within an additional 15 to 30 minutes. If a ewe or doe has been pushing for 30 minutes and no progress is noted, intervention may be needed.

Widely, small ruminant dystocias can be broken up into 2 categories: maternal or fetal factors. Within each of these categories, the most common causes are noted below.

1)     Maternal Factors:

• Failure to Dilate (commonly known as ringwomb): Even though adequate time has been provided, the ewe’s cervix is not dilating appropriately to allow for delivery. This is more common in sheep than goats. This most often results in a c-section to safely deliver the fetus(es).

• Uterine Inertia (weak, non-productive contractions): In this situation, the cervix is appropriately dilated but the uterus muscle is not strong enough to push the fetus out. This can be caused by pregnancy toxemia, low calcium levels, and prolonged labor. In this case, manual extraction of the fetus is typically sufficient to deliver.

• Uterine Torsion: The uterus has twisted inside the ewe, creating a physical blockage between the fetuses and the vaginal canal. The ewe can sometimes be manipulated and rolled in such a way to untwist the uterus, however, a c-section is often needed.

2)     Fetal Factors:

• Large fetus: The fetus is too large to exit the pelvis and/or vaginal canal without intervention. This is most common with single, male fetuses. Intervention may look like additional traction being applied to safely deliver the fetus, or c-section may be needed.

• Fetal malpositioning: Normal presentation for birth is front feet and a nose presenting first. Fetal malpositioning includes any other presentation that may hinder the fetus from being delivered. This could include head or leg turned back, breech (tail first), or multiple fetuses trying to come at once such as 2 legs, but not belonging to the same fetus.

For many of these causes of dystocia, producer intervention can be sufficient to assist the dam in delivery. Always make sure you wash your hands prior to starting and wear gloves to help prevent uterine infections and protect yourself. There are reproductive diseases in small ruminants that can be zoonotic, meaning they can infect people also. On this note, pregnant women should take special precautions working with small ruminants during the lambing or kidding process, especially if there is suspicion that the ewe or doe is aborting her fetuses.

The ewe or doe should always be properly restrained, either in a headcatch, with a halter, or by an assistant manually restraining. Plenty of lubricant should be applied to your glove and then a hand gently inserted into the vaginal canal. An exam can be helpful to identify the problem, and producers are often able to correct an issue like a malpresentation themselves. All manipulation should be done gently because the wall of the uterus can be more easily damaged or torn than in some species. We are always happy to discuss specific cases over the phone or come out to assist as needed.

When we come out to assist, we start by doing a thorough exam to assess the situation. We can administer an epidural to decrease the dam’s pushing and provide more room for the fetus to be repositioned. We can also transfer to a c-section delivery if needed.

Colostrum intake promptly after birth is imperative to the health of all newborns. The first colostrum intake should be within 2 hours of birth, but ideally as soon as possible. If too lethargic to nurse, consider tube feeding to ensure adequate colostrum is provided. Lambs and kids are very temperature sensitive and should be kept in a clean, dry environment. Supplemental heat such as a heat lamp is often needed depending on time of year. Keeping these babies in a clean, dry area also reduces the risk of umbilical infections and scours. Iodine should be put on the umbilical cord after birth to prevent infection and help dry out the cord.

Dystocias are stressful, but they are also a normal part of lambing and kidding season. Knowing what normal progress looks like, recognizing when things are not advancing, and intervening early can make the difference between a successful outcome and a costly loss. Many dystocias can be corrected with calm, careful producer intervention, but knowing when to call for veterinary assistance is just as important.

Preparation is key. Having gloves, lubricant, clean towels, iodine, and a colostrum plan in place before lambing or kidding begins will help you respond confidently when challenges arise. If you are unsure, concerned, or feel that progress has stalled, don’t hesitate to reach out—we are always happy to talk through a case or come assist when needed.

A little preparation, patience, and timely intervention go a long way toward healthy dams and thriving lambs and kids.