Decision Making in caesarean

Question 1

Indications for caesarean in cow

Answer 1

When a live calf cannot be delivered by mutation and traction = most tricky
In cases of uterine torsion or incomplete cervix dilation
In cases of hydrops or fetal monsters
When fetotomy would be extensive, traumatic and time consuming
When the farmer is not willing to risk the trauma of a natural birth on a valuable calf
As an elective procedure (e.g. heifer pregnant to large bull)
Calves delivered by Caesarean after traction has failed have a decreased chance of survival compared to calves delivered by Caesarean alone
Better fertility for dam if traumatic delivery is avoided

Therefore the decision to perform a Caesarean should be made a early
Always be aware when to stop pulling
Remember about how to pull (Year 2)

For anterior presentation the head and shoulders must be able to pass the pelvic canal or the calf cannot be delivered
The shoulders of the calf are through the pelvis of the cow when the carpuses of the calf are at the vulva
If you cannot get both carpuses to the vulva, the calf cannot be pulled without damage to the calf or cow
For a posterior presentation, if the hocks are one hand width beyond (outside) the vulva, the hips should be through the birth canal and you should be able to deliver the calf

Question 2

Indications for caesarean in the Mare

Answer 2

Some initial thoughts
Caesarean is often only performed after referral to a hospital
Anaesthesia may be performed to facilitate mutation which can progress to Caesarean if unsuccessful

Abnormal fetal disposition that cannot be corrected (e.g. dorsal presentation, ventral presentation, many breech presentations) [limb and neck length are major issues with correction]
Uterine torsion
Severe deformities (e.g. ankylosed neck)
Vaginal of vestibular obstruction (sometimes this can be significant vaginal oedema associated with trauma during attempted delivery or manipulation)

Question 3

Indications for caesean in bitch and queen

Answer 3

Primary uterine inertia (do not progress to 2nd stage)
Where there is poor response to oxytocin administration
Where there is a large litter

Obstructive dystocia
Which cannot be corrected
Which is corrected but followed by secondary uterine inertia
Which is corrected but where there is a large litter still to be delivered

In any case with signs of fetal distress (bradycardia detected with ultrasound)
In any case with signs of placental separation (green discharge) and a large litter is still to be delivered
As an elective procedure

Question 4

Indications for caesarean in ewe

Answer 4

Feto-maternal disproportion (often primiparous ewe or single lamb)
Failure of cervical dilation (so-called “ringwomb”)
With irreducible or traumatised vaginal prolapse

Most cases of abnormal fetal disposition can be corrected without Caesarean

Question 5

Indications for caesarean in sow
after how many hrs of partuition

Answer 5

Prolonged parturition (e.g. > 12 hrs)
Irreducible vaginal prolapse
Feto-maternal disproportion and obstructive dystocia which cannot be corrected
Obstructive dystocia which is corrected but followed by secondary uterine inertia
For the production of pathogen-free piglets- research