C section in bovine Dr. Adnan Ahmad

1. Cesarean Section
Dr. Adnan Ahmad
Riphah College of Veterinary
Sciences Lahore

2. • Caesarean section is also commonly termed as C-
Section in which uterus is exteriorized to take out the
young one from the pregnant dam.

3. Caesarean section:
• The delivery of the fetus usually at parturition
by laparohysterotomy is called caesarean
section.
• Laparohysterotomy means the excision of
uterus through an incesion in the abdominal
wall.

4. Indications
• Foetopelvic disproportion
• Foetal maldisposition, which cannot be corrected by manipulation.
• Irreducible uterine torsion.
• Incomplete dialatation of cervix or other parts of birth canal.
• Foetal monsters, which cannot be delivered by other means.
• Uterine rupture or severe uterine haemorrhage.
• Foetal emphysema.
• Mummification and hydroallantois after failure of induction of parturition
by drugs.
• Bicornual pregnancy in mares.
• Pregnancy toxaemia in ewes and does.
• Rupture of prepubic tendon.

5. MATERIALS REQUIRED:
• Appropriate drugs for sedation and local anaesthesia
• Resuscitation facilities including arrangements to dry and warm
the calf. Doxapram hydrochloride (50 mg) may be kept ready in
a syringe with a suitable needle prior to surgery because
sometimes, it is needed urgently when calf is delivered.
• Sterilized calving ropes or chains which may be needed during
removal of the foetus from the uterus.
• Antiseptic solution for skin preparation - 7.5% Povidone-iodine
or 4% Chlorhexidin gluconate and surgical spirit.
• Sterilized drape.
• Surgical kit: Scalpel, rat-toothed forceps, scissors, six haemostats,
needle-holders, round-body and cutting suture needles.
• Suture material.
• Antibiotics: Strepto-penicillin or ampicillin is useful.

6. Selection of operative site
Large animals :
The sites are
(i) Left flank.
(ii) Right flank.
(iii) Ventro-Iateral.
(iv) Ventral or mid line.
Small animals :
The sites are
(i) Flank region with an oblique angle parallel to the
last rib.
(ii) Midline or linea alba.

7. Anaesthesia
• Sedation should be avoided as it can cause recumbency detrimental to
fetal survival. If sedation is necessary, xylazine is commonly used (0.05-
0.1 mg/ kg b.w. I/M).
• For flank incision, paravertebral anaesthesia should be given.
• Inverted - L block:
• An inverted - L block of the flank is an alternative to paravertebral
Anaesthesia.
• Epidural anaesthesia:
• Epidural anaesthesia is not essential but is useful to prevent straining
and tail movement during surgery.

8. Preparation for Bovine Surgery
• Local Block Drugs
– Lidocaine (cheapest and safest)
• lidocaine toxicity: muscular tremors, severe depression,
hypotension , occasionally convulsions
• Toxic dosage: > 13cc of 2% lidocaine per 100 lb or
> = 13 mg/kg
– mepivacaine, bupivacaine
– Withdrawal time

10. Paravertebral Block (cont’d)

11. Pre-operative medication
• Pre-operative antibiotic is strongly
recommended.
• Tocolytic agents such as clenbuterol-
hydrochloride (10 ml) should be administered
by intramuscular or intravenous route.

12. Pre-opp
• Secure the Head of Animal
• Shave down the area where the incision will
be
• Scrub the shaved area
• Wash the area down with 70% Alcohol

13. Surgical technique
The surgical technique is performed in following
steps:
1. Opening of the flank
2. Locating the uterus
3. Opening of the uterus
4. Removal of the foetus
5. Management of the placenta
6. Closing of the uterine incision
7. Closing of the laparotomy incision

15. Post operative care
• 1. Routine antibiotic cover (with strepto-
penicillin for 5-7 days).
• 2. Fluid therapy.
• 3. Regular dressing of wound.

16. Complications of cesarean section
• Peritonitis
• Wound breakdown
• Seroma formation - A pocket of sterile serous fluid
accumulates between muscle layers or under the skin.
This can be confirmed when a sterile needle is inserted
- serum flow-out.
• Retention of the foetal membranes
• Metritis
• Infertility
• Mastitis (E. coli infection)
• Sudden death.

17. References
• Applied Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics
by Dr. Pradeep Kumar
• Roberts SJ. 1976. Veterinary Obstetrics and
Genital Diseases.

18. Thanks