45. Caesarean section in cows: indications, contraindications, surgical restraint, preparation of abdominal wall Flashcards
Special indications for CS?
Special indications
• Dystocia- Obstructed labour that could originate from different abnormalities.
o Immature heifers and cows with large (relatively oversized) foetuses
o Uterine torsion
o Pelvic injuries
o Foetal monsters and foetal anomalies hydroallontois or hydramnios)
o Malpresentations
o Severely prolapsed vaginas
o Breed Belgian blue- pelvic region is covered by huge muscles, zipper cow
§ In Belgium farmers are educated to detect the stages of calving- can do 10 CS per day as a
vet due to the effectiveness
• To perform research- elective cs
Special Contradictions?
Special contraindications
• Emphysematous foetuses
o If calving is stopped but vaginal canal is open many bacteria could enter both in uterus and foetus. If
you open the abdominal cavity the emphysema of foetuses will enter the abdominal wall with
uterine fluid leakage—> bacteria in the abdominal cavity
Factors to consider when Performing Cs?
Factors to consider when performing CS
- Viability and probability of a viable uninjured calf
- Degree of contamination
- Time required
- Value of the calf and value of the dam
- Facilities and assistance
- Experience of the surgeon
- Overall prognosis
- Surgical risks, aftercare, fees
- Uterine rupture? (Too late)
General steps( in both CS and R)?
General steps (in both CS and R):
- Surgical restraint
- Presurgical procedure
- Anaesthesia
- Incision site and technique
- Abdominal cavity manipulation
- Abdominal wall suturing
- Postoperative car
Surgical restraint( Caesarian and rumenotomy)?
Surgical restraint (caesarean and rumenotomy)
- Most caesarean sections and rumenotomies are performed in standing restrains using left flank approach
- Standing restraint (preferred)
o If cannot stand, do not force this restraint
§ Heifers are more likely to lie down
o Advantages: less assistance, minimal tension on suture line, good for adult dairy cows (udder)
o Disadvantages: Contamination of peritoneal cavity, physical strength required
Approach in standing restraint?
Approach in standing restraint:
• Left paralumbar fossa approach- Left flank= CS+R
o Right uterine horn pregnancy
o Rumen inhibiting evisceration of intestine
Dorsal and left lateral recumbency restraint?
Dorsal and left lateral recumbency restraint
- Indicated only if the dam cannot stand up
- Advantages: excellent exposure of uterus and foetus, minimization of peritoneal contamination
- Disadvantages: more than in the standing one!!!: requires assistance, ruminal bloat/regurgitation, prolapse
of abdominal organs, postop complications
Presurgical procedure?
Presurgical procedure
• Instrument tray
o Sterile instruments and a scalpel blade
o Obstetric chains and handles (sterilized) (in a case of CS)
o Isolation large enough to cover the entire surgical area
o Sterile gloves
o Suture material
o Sterile saline: for washing the serosa surface of the
abdominal organs
Preparation of skin?
Preparation of skin
- Clip and prepare the shin for aseptic surgery= creates a window
- From dorsal midline to the level of the flank
- From 12th rib (not the last one as in pic???) to tuber coxae along
with the lateral sides of the lumbar vertebrae’s
Availability of Pharmaceuticals?
Availability of pharmaceuticals
• LA long-acting AB, respiratory stimulants and cardiac stimulants, uterine AB (tablets preferred), Iodine for
calf’s navel, Oxytocin to improve uterine contractions after CS
