SURGICAL APPROACH IN BOVINE CESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

Cesarean section in cattle is a widely used surgical procedure for resolving dystocia and protecting the dam and/or calf. Bovine parturition is a physiological process involving hormonal and structural actions that allow fetal expulsion and separation of fetal membranes. When alterations occur in this process, surgical intervention may be necessary. Furthermore, factors such as the choice of surgical approach, anesthetic and analgesic management, and adequate clinical support directly influence the success of the procedure. In this context, the present work aimed to review the main surgical approaches used in bovine cesarean section, as well as aspects related to perioperative management and postoperative monitoring. (MILENA). The review shows that the correct release of fetal membranes depends on the degradation of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Failures in this enzymatic process predispose the female to retained placenta postoperatively. In surgery, the choice of access route should be individualized: while the left paralumbar incision is used for routine dystocias, the left oblique and midline ventral approaches offer ergonomic advantages and reduce peritoneal contamination, making them ideal for the extraction of emphysematous fetuses. Furthermore, the preventive use of meloxicam improves maternal comfort and optimizes the transfer of passive immunity, increasing IgG concentrations in the calf. It is concluded that proper surgical technique and control of hydroelectrolytic imbalances, such as in cases of peritonitis, are essential to avoid involuntary culling. For high-value breeding cows whose natural fertility is compromised, in vitro fertilization (IVF) emerges as the main strategy to preserve genetics in the herd.