PRACTICAL: Farm animal reproductive surgery Flashcards
What muscle layers do you cut through during a CS?
(cutaneous trunci mm – you won’t notice this), external abdominal oblique (ribs to hips diagonal), internal abdominal oblique (hips to ribs, diagonal), transversus abdominis (vertical muscle fibrils).
Outline uterine blood supply
Uterine artery is main blood supply to uterus (branches from the internal iliac artery). Also supplied by ovarian artery at the tubal ends of the horns and by the vaginal artery in the caudal portion of the body. Branches of these vessels also form anastomoses with the uterine artery.
How can you anaesthetise a cow for a CS?
Proximal or distal paravertebral epidural nerve block Local infiltration (incision line or inverted L-shape)
What drugs and doses can you use to anaesthetise a cow? 3
Lidocaine (5ml of 2%)
procaine (2mL or 80mg, 4%)
xylazine (0.05-0.07 mg/kg diluted with saline to 5-7.5ml OR 0.01-0.016mg/kg)
How should you anaesthetise a weak cow?
avoid lidocaine or procaine - may induce ataxia and increase recumbency risk
Define coeliotomy
making a surgical incision in the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity. Either exploratory surgery or the first step in an abdominal operation.
Define ecbolic
inducing contractions in the uterus leading to foetal expulsion
What are the 8 approaches to coeliotomy for CS in cattle?
o Standing: L or R paralumbar, L oblique
o Recumbent: L or R paralumbar, paramedian, ventrolateral or midline
o Preferred technique: left paralumbar approach (standing)
Define hysterotomy
an incision into the uterus; useful to have it exteriorised if possible for this.
Why should an incision into the uterus be along the parallel to the longaxis of the greater curvature?
fewest large blood vessels here
What should you do with foetal membranes during a CS?
should be removed only if they can be separated from the uterus without undue traction or if they are lying free within the uterus.
How can you close the uterus after a hysterotomy?
continuous inverting pattern, absorbable suture material, Utrecht method of uterine closure is an option
Why might you give oxytoxin after uterine closure in a cow after a CS?
to enhance uterine involution
What is a common complication of CS?
In about 50% of c-sections, adhesions between the uterus and surrounding tissues develop (regardless of whether catgut or vicryl suture was used for uterine closure).
