Cesarean Section in Cattle: A Review

Cesarean section is one of the oldest surgical procedure performed on cows for delivery of the fetus at parturition. Depending upon the health status of dam and fetus cesarean section has been classified as emergency, non emphysematous and emphysematous procedure. The common maternal indications for performing cesarean section include pelvic fractures, cervical dilation failure and uncorrectable uterine torsion whereas the fetal indication include oversized fetuses and maldisposed calves. Many anesthetic protocols are available for cow however, most cesarean section in cattle can be satisfactorily performed under mild sedation and local infiltration anesthesia using 2% lidocaine. Operative sites for cesarean section in cattle include right and left flank, midline, paramedian, parammary and oblique ventrolateral. The choice of operative sites depends upon facility and patient condition. Peri-operative (before, during and after the operation) care appears to be of utmost significance, post-operative complications of cesarean section include peritonitis, seroma formation, hernia and poor fertility. On the successful outcome of cesarean section in cows in terms of dam and calf survival and future fertility of cows underdoing cesarean section. Previous handling, delay in presentation to referral centers results in poor outcome and thus animal owners must be explained the benefits of prompt presentation of cow to cesarean section for optimal benefits.