Caesarean Operation in Cow due to Prolonged Pregnancy

Abstract

Prolonged pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that lasts for more than 294-days compared with term gestation which is between
260 and 293-days. This case report was prepared with the aim of describing and documenting the surgical procedures, techniques
of cesarean section and its outcome on eight-years-old crossbred cow that was referred to the veterinary hospital, Mekelle University from a field; Edaga Hamus Veterinary Clinic. According to the owner’s history, the cow was presented to the clinic with an
extended gestational period over 345-days than anticipated according to their own record. Thus, based on the history and clinical
findings, the case was diagnosed as prolonged pregnancy. After aseptic preparation of the surgical site, stabilizing the animal and
locally desensitizing the incision area; a vertical skin incision with a distance of approximately (~40 cm wide) on the left flank
region approximately (~10 cm) below the lumbar transverse process. After the incision of the abdominal muscles and uterus, the
non-viable and abnormally oversized calf was taken out with the help of an assistant. Moreover, the uterus was filled with excess
and abnormal dark brown colored blood and was properly drained, washed with sterile isotonic saline solution. The uterus was
closed using a double layer of Utrecht suturing pattern whereas the peritoneum and abdominal muscles were separately closed
with a continuous lockstitch pattern and simple interrupted pattern using 2-0 size sterile absorbable polyglycolic acid, respectively.
After that, the skin was closed using silk 2-0 size in a horizontal interrupted mattress. Lastly, with proper antibiotic follow-up,
dressing and cleaning of the surgical site, the cow was successfully recovered after two months.