110.Caesarean Section in sows (from laparotomy until aftercare)

Question 1

Desribe the Laparatomy in Cs?

Answer 1

1. Make a ventral midline or flank incision
2. Grasp the peritoneum with forceps → Puncture & incise it
3. Locate the uterine bifurcation
4. Longitudinal uterine incision on the greater curvature
5. Grasp the foetus within the uterus
6. Deliver as many piglets as possible through one incision
7. Repeat on the other horn
8. Remove the placenta if loose; Leave it if it is not loose

It is important to keep the uterine tissue moist during the surgery

Question 2

Describe the suturing process(include layers)?

Answer 2

Suturing

1. Make one final check for piglets that may still be in the uterus - check especially in the pelvis &

birth canal!

2. Remove blood clots from the uterine wall
3. Situate the uterine horns in their normal position in the peritoneal cavity
4. UTERINE BODY

→ No. 1 or No. 2 absorbable suture material

→ Atraumatic needle

→ In 2 layers:

→ Lembert suture pattern

→ Cushing suture pattern

5. PERITONEUM (Layer 1)

→ Use No. 0 or No. 1 absorbable suture material

→ Atraumatic needle

→ Simple continuous pattern

6. MUSCLE (Layer 2)

→ Use No. 2 suture material

→ Atraumatic needle

→ Simple continuous pattern

7. SKIN (Layer 3)

→ Use extra-heavy synthetic non-absorbable suture material

→ Interrupted / Horizontal mattress / Continuous suture pattern

In total there should 5 different layers of sutures to complete the surgery

Question 3

Aftercare from Cs?

Answer 3

Aftercare

o Intrauterine tablets

o IM PGF2α

o Abx TID for 3-5 days

o Uterine involution: Oxytocin TID

o NSAIDs: Ketoprofen; Meloxicam

o Removal of skin sutures: 14-21 days post op.

Question 4

Sow C section summary diagram draw the steps?

Answer 4