Wolfgang Zenker [27 Nov 2022] Good evening everybody. 23 year old giraffe, giving birth for 4 hours now. Seems very relaxed, still eating a bit, does not press a lot at the moment. What worries me, I can't see any legs. Reason to worry or not? Thanks for any advice! David Pretorius, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:12:53]: I think you should intervene asap. This doesn't look good. Henry Labuschagne, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:13:21]: I would have intervened 3 hrs ago. I see legs but no head. Flexed neck probably the problem Wolfgang, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:18:13]: No Henry, the head is hanging down Head and neck, but no legs Henry Labuschagne, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:19:46]: Then legs are back, which is abnormal, and needs to be corrected. Wolfgang, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:20:00]: Anyone done a Caesarian section in these animals? Henry Labuschagne, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:22:53]: No need. If you intervene while there is still lots of lubrication and the dead calf is not bloated, you can correct to normal position and deliver. This cow has a fully developed birth canal so space should not be an issue. If you inject Planipart to relax the uterus you should be able to manoeuvre calf and deliver. Wolfgang, [27 Nov 2022 at 19:34:19]: Thank you very much Henry! Wolfgang, [27 Nov 2022 at 22:08:54]: Good evening again! Following the advice I prepared everything, organised some people to help, was ready to dart, then heard a noise and the (dead) calf was lying on the floor!! Could not believe my eyes and ears! Attached a picture. Against every theory it was born with the 2 fore legs pressed to the body! Amazing! Thanks for your help anyway, I do appreciate this! Wolfgang, [27 Nov 2022 at 22:08:54]: As soon as I can I will examine the body. Paul Reynolds, [27 Nov 2022 at 23:13:06]: My 2c. If the placenta is detached like above, there is no oxygen or blood supply to the calf. I would thus intervene.
