Why C-section in cattle?

In C-section an incision is made through the uterus in order to deliver the calf. C-sections are necessary for cattle when:

• Vaginal delivery is too difficult
• If it is not progressing in the expected amount of time
• Or if it could endanger the life of the cow or the life of her calf.

Indications of C-section

C-Sections are generally performed on:

• Calves that are too large
• Inadequate cervical dilation (not enough relaxation of the cervix muscles)
• Abnormal pelvic bone conformation (shape) in the cow
• Rupture of the cow’s abdominal musculature
• Problems with uterine position or uterine function
• Abnormalities of the cow’s uterus or vagina
• Fetal monsters (congenital defects)
• Presence of a dead fetus
• Uterine inertia, failure of uterine contractions
• Prolonged labor
• Oversized fetus
• Abnormal position or presentation of the fetus
• Anatomical abnormality of the mother
• Torsion, or twisting of the uterus

Procedure of C-section

1. Preparation of the Surgical site and washing of hand.
2. Apply betadine iodine on the site.
3. A large bold incision is made into the abdomen.
4. Control the bleeding, ligation.
5. Follow a blunt dissection.
6. Cut a facial layer and two muscle layers.
7. Reach to the peritoneum.
8. Reach to the gravid uterus and exteriorate.
9. Palpate the fetal parts.
10. Make an incision on the uterus avoiding injury to a fetus.
11. Hold fetal legs and gently remove them.
12. Avoid intra-peritoneal contamination.
13. Hold the incised uterine edges.
14. Remove the fetal membranes gently only if possible.
15. Remove the uterine fluid.
16. Wash it with the normal saline-3 times, Start suturing the uterus with Utrecht suture pattern.

Postoperative-care

– Inj. broad-spectrum antibiotics 5-10 days –

Supportive therapy

– Daily antiseptic solution application (Dressing of wound)