Undilated cervix
Occasionally labour does not seem to progress; this can be due to the cervix not dilating as it should. Calf positioning may be incorrect, meaning the cervix is not stimulated to dilate, it can also be due to low calcium, or sometimes the receptors required to cause dilation are malfunc- tioning. We suggest in these cases, administering some calcium, giving her time, and if you can get ropes on the feet, pulling the calf up to place pressure on the cervix, allowing it to fully dilate before pulling the calf. More commonly, a cow may not appear to have opened up her cervix is due to the uterus being twisted. There is still not a lot known about why a cow gets a twisted uterus, but it has been as- sociated with deep bellied cows and oversized calves.
Suspect a torsion when the cervix is not opening, and the calf seems to be turned the wrong way. If the twist has occurred before the cervix, it can often be felt as you enter the vagina, your hand will naturally follow the twist before it reaches the calf. Occasionally they do happen after the cervix which are a bit more difficult to feel. They can be felt rectally, with the cervix and uterus feeling like a tight rope due to the pressure it is under. These can be difficult for farmers to do by themselves as the calf needs to be rotated until the uterus is no longer twisted. It is very unlikely a twist will self correct, they may dilate partially but if you suspect it then please
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