Bovine Cesarean Section in the Field

Cesarean section is perhaps one of the more challenging surgical procedures performed on the farm; the veterinarian often has far less control over the patient, availability of assistance, and environmental contaminants. A number of variables may affect the successful outcome of this procedure for both the calf and cow; case selection is the most important and often overlooked variable. In addition, patient and surgeon preparation, surgical technique, calf viability at the time of surgery, and exteriorizing the uterus can affect outcome. Good surgical technique including gentle tissue handling, appropriate suture materials and patterns, adequate infolding of the uterine incision to prevent leakage, combined with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication when indicated can help minimize detrimental adhesions that may adversely affect the future reproductive efficiency of the cow.