Caesarean section for beef
In a caesarean section , also called caesarean section , the calf is removed from the suckler cow after a laparotomy (incision to open the abdominal cavity) and a hysterotomy (incision to open the uterus). Under certain conditions, this intervention is necessary to ensure the survival of the calf and cow. The caesarean section from the left flank is preferred today to the caesarean section on the abdomen.
Indications
A distinction is made between absolute and relative indication. While with the absolute indication the calf's survival is only possible through a caesarean section, with the relative indication there would also be other obstetric measures that could be used.
Absolute indications
The absolute indications include a too narrow bony and / or soft birth canal (especially in immature animals and meat breeds such as white-blue Belgians ), a cervix that is not open enough (or a cervix that is already closing if the signs of birth have been overlooked), an absolute Fruit that is too large ( placing a bull that is too large) and uterine torsion ( twisting of the uterus) that cannot be rectified rectally.
Relative indications
The relative indications are characterized by incorrect position / posture / posture (such as a transverse position of the fruit, which could have been corrected rectally by manual repositioning of the calf in the mother animal), glutinous membrane (pathological increase in amniotic fluid) or malformations (e.g. hydrops fetalis ).
preparation
The required instruments are placed ready after sterilization or placed in a disinfection bath. Disposable drapes, syringes, cannulas, medication, needles and sutures must be close at hand.
First the suckler cow is restrained. If the cow is able to stand, there is no storage. However, a wall or fence must prevent you from swerving to the right. If the animal is already lying down, it is positioned so that the left flank is exposed. Surgery on the standing animal is preferred because the likelihood of complications is lower. The surgical field is shaved, cleaned and disinfected.
Before the operation can begin, an infiltration (to eliminate local pain in the skin) and an epidural anesthesia must be performed. In addition, a uterine relaxant should be used to prevent the uterus from contracting during the procedure.
Course of operation
At the beginning, an approximately 30 cm long skin incision is made on the left flank, which runs approximately 10 cm below the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae and 10 cm next to the hip. After the drape has been attached, the abdominal muscle layers and the peritoneum are gradually divided , careful cutting so that no internal organs are injured.
The large mesh , loops of the small intestine and the rumen may need to be relocated - on the one hand, to get to the uterus without difficulty, and on the other hand, to avoid the same from the abdominal cavity. The uterus may need to be rotated to lift it out. If possible, the hysterotomy should be performed outside the abdominal cavity. A cut of about 30 cm is carefully made over the claws in the tip of the uterine horn (in front or rear end position). The pair of extremities that emerge is fixed with birth chains so that the calf can be pulled out. The cuts often have to be lengthened. As soon as the animal is outside, the membranes are opened and the amniotic fluid drains off.
After the presence of another fruit has been ruled out, the loose parts of the membranes have been removed and uterine rods have been inserted, the uterus is continuously sutured in two layers with an absorbable suture material . In addition, it is cleaned with isotonic saline solution before being returned to the abdominal cavity . Now the cut edges of the abdominal muscles are sewn in several layers using absorbable suture material and then the skin is stapled.
A drain is placed so that the accumulated secretion can drain away . Finally, the wound is covered with a wound spray and an air-permeable plaster (to protect against flies).
Aftercare
After a caesarean section, antibiotic treatment is given for several days . This is ensured in the uterus by means of uterine rods, and parenterally by an injection of an antibiotic. An intravenous administration of oxytocin makes it possible to get stuck parts of the afterbirth out of the uterus.
The clamps can be removed after about 10 days if there are no complications. After a certain period of time, the postpartum phase should be checked by a rectal examination so that another pregnancy can take place .
Complications
During the operation
If the uterine incision is not large enough, lateral tears can occur, which must be taken into account when making the suture. Previous manual obstetrics can also cause tears. If they are perforating, they have to be sewn. Oxytocin administration stops minor bleeding by improving the contractility of the uterus if uterine atony is present postoperatively .
In the event of severe bleeding, the opened vessel must be closed with a ligature . An infusion may be given in the event of major blood loss . If the lying animal has an inflated rumen in front of it, which makes the operation more difficult, it is recommended to insert a trocar ( rumen stab ).
After the operation
The lagging behind of the afterbirth causes infection and poisoning . To avoid peritonitis , the incision should not be too large and the work should be as clean as possible. If there is a build-up of secretion, the bottom bracket is removed so that the secretion can drain away. In the event of a space belly (suture dehiscence, e.g. due to a fall after the operation), the suture material in the affected area must be replaced. If the incision is not big enough, the lifting of the skin and the air that penetrates it can lead to emphysema , which however disappears by itself and does not need to be treated.
forecast
If there are no complications and the operation is not performed too late, the prognosis for the calf is very good (98%). If this is not the case, there may be losses (of up to 20%).
The fertility of the suckler cow drops slightly after a caesarean section (from 88% to 80%). Most often this is caused by chronic endometritis . But the prognosis is still pretty good.
literature
- Johannes Richter, Richard Götze: Animal obstetrics. 4th edition. Paul Parey, Berlin 1993, ISBN 3-489-53416-6 .
- Peter GG Jackson: Obstetrics in Veterinary Medicine. Urban & Fischer, Munich / Jena 2007, ISBN 3-437-57460-4 .
- Eberhard Grunert: Buiatrik Volume I. Udder diseases, obstetrics and gynecology, andrology and insemination. 5th edition. Schaper, Hannover 1996, ISBN 3-7944-0181-6 .