C-Section in Ruminants

Question 1

Whats the approach for standing PL fossa celiotomy?

Answer 1

Left side {Standard approach}

right side is possible, but SI in the way

Question 2

What’s the downside to the left oblique celiotomy approach?

Answer 2

Anesthesia of ventral body wall may occur
{permanent}

ventral abdominal wall is innervated mostly by the caudal paracostal nerves
→ bc the incision ends only 3cm caudal to the last rib

Question 3

Which approach to C-section would be indicated for fractious cattle not amenable for standing and/or recumbent cows?

Answer 3

Ventral midline celiotomy

40cm incision starting just cranial to udder,
extended cranially

Question 4

What’s the best option for recumbent C-section?

Answer 4

Ventrolateral Celiotomy

emphysematous calf*

incision parallel to superficial mammary vein
mark vein when cow is standing;
axial to vein

Question 5

What are the main complications of C-sections?

Answer 5

• peritonitis
• metritis {endotoxemia}
• adhesions
• infections {~25%}
• calf survival rate: 60%
• cow survival rate: 80%…
  factors that decrease mortality:
  
  • uterus exteriorization upon Sx
  • removal of blood clots
  • absence of retained placenta

Question 6

T or F:
Pregnancy ketosis is an indication for C-section in small ruminants.

Answer 6

true