Caesarean operation in a cow: A case report

Abstract

A “Caesarean Section” is a surgical procedure in which an incision is given through the abdominal wall and uterus in order to deliver fetus. It is also known as C- Section or CS, one of the most challenging surgical procedures in case of dystocia to save fetus live. This report described the clinical findings, haemato-biochemical parameters and success of the CS, A-8 year old Holstein Friesian cross-bred cow, weighing 450 kg was admitted to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University with a history of prolonged labour pain and the animal was unable to give birth for 17 hours. At first all the physical examination was done and noted in the record keeping sheet. Blood sample was collected to assess different parameters of serum and blood. On vaginal examination incomplete dilation of cervix was observed and a decision was then taken to perform CS using the left oblique laparotomy where long oblique incision was given at the lower flank through skin, abdominal muscles, peritoneum respectively. Then incision was given along the greater curvature of the uterus & a death male fetus was delivered. After flashing of the uterus with normal saline; the uterus, peritoneum, muscle layer and skin were sutured using appropriate suture materials and techniques. The case was followed for 4 months after the operation. After surgery, sufficient fluid replacements, antibiotic, minerals, anti-inflammatory & antihistaminic were administrated for 5 days. The cow recovered successfully without any complications, returned to normal heat after 70 days of the CS. Afterwards, the animal was inseminated and confirmed pregnancy after 35 days of artificial insemination. So, CS through left flank oblique laparotomy is an effective method of resolving dystocia to save cow.