Case series of cattle undergoing cesarean section through a ventral midline approach shows potential favorable short- and long-term survival rates (2013-2022).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical, short-term, and long-term outcomes of cattle undergoing ventral midline cesarean sections (C-sections). ANIMALS: 42 cattle met the inclusion criteria. Criteria included cattle undergoing a ventral midline C-section between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Cattle presented for clinical signs of dystocia or evaluation of a suspected mummified fetus. Both heifers and cows were included in the study, ranging in age between 2 and 11 years old. RESULTS: Reasons for C-section included dystocia (83% [35 of 42]), suspected mummified fetus (10% [4 of 42]), and unspecified (7% [3 of 42]). Complications were reported in 28.5% (12 of 42) of cases. A positive surgical outcome was defined as survival to discharge and reported in 83% (35 of 42) of cases. Follow-up was attempted in cases surviving to discharge, with 36% (15 of 42) participation. Short-term survival, defined as alive 2 weeks postoperatively, and long-term survival, defined as alive 1 year postoperatively, was noted in 86% (13 of 15) of cases. Postoperative reproduction was attempted in 69% (9 of 13) of cases. One became pregnant and carried a calf to term after being bull bred. Flushing for oocytes resulted in a live calf from a recipient in 66% (2 of 3) of cases. Most clients said they would have the procedure performed again. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bovine C-section via ventral midline approach has a favorable surgical outcome. Although follow-up represented just over one-third of cases, short- and long-term survival was also favorable. Long-term follow-up demonstrated that the prognosis for carrying pregnancy to term is poor; however, preserving genetic lineage is possible through transfer of oocytes to recipients.