The inability of the cow to expel neonates through the birth canal from the uterus is called dystocia. There are several physical, physiological and hormonal changes take place to prepare the dam and fetus for parturition. It is one of the most important obstetrical conditions and requires immediate attention of obstetricians as it causes severe economic losses to dairy farmers. The causes of dystocia are generally classified as being maternal or fetal in origin. Maternal causes include feto-maternal disproportion, incomplete cervical dilation, uterine torsion, uterine inertia and hernia of gravid uterus, and fetal causes are fetal maldisposition, fetal oversize and fetal monstrosities. Dystocia negatively affects the productive and reproductive performance due to increased risk for uterine diseases. As one of the reproductive problems in cows, it is important to prevent and reduce the incidence of dystocia and awareness on the significance of dystocia should be enhanced, which necessitate presenting the current literature review on dystocia.