Bovis ISSN 2398-2993

Cesarean section

Introduction

• This article describes the technique used to perform a cesarean section and discusses the decision making processes involved in determining when a cesarean section is appropriate.  
• Please be aware that this information is designed to be a useful guide for the veterinary surgeon, but is not prescriptive.  The decision making process will very much depend on the individual case and its unique circumstances. 

Uses

• Expulsive defect:
  • Myometrial defect:
    • Primary uterine inertia (inability of the uterus to contract sufficiently).
    • Secondary uterine inertia (decreased effectiveness of uterine contractions as parturition progresses).
  • Defective or inadeqate straining.
• Inadequate birth canal:
  • Failure of cervix, soft tissues or ligaments to relax.
  • Uterine torsion; definitely if  complete torsion (>270⁰).
  • Obstruction of birth canal, eg pelvic fracture.
• Inadequate pelvic diameter*

• Fetal oversize:
  • Normal but large*.
  • Defective or monster calf.
• Faulty disposition or alignment:
  • Abnormal presentation.
  • Abnormal position.
  • Abnormal posture.
• Fetal death.
• Signs of fetal distress.

• History of previous dystocia or cesarean.
• Predictable dystocia due to breed predisposition, eg Belgian blue cattle Belgian blue cattle or misalliance, eg heifer too small when mated.

Advantages of performing the procedure

• Increased chance of a live calf if intervention is performed early.
• Reduced chance of secondary complications to cow, eg peripheral neuropathies.

Disadvantages

• Cost.
• Risk of surgical and post-surgical complications in the dam, including death.
• May reduce subsequent fertility of dam.
• Anesthetic depression of calf (if sedative used).

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Generally good but heavily dependent on case selection.
• Dependent on individual animal, farm and surgeon.