The technique of bovine caesarean section carried out by Flemish veterinarians

For approximately 50 years the caesarean section has been carried out in Belgium. Over the years the technique has changed and has been improved several times. At present caesarean sections are carried out as a routine operation due to the evolution of the Belgian Blue breed. In this study the differences in protocol, materials and surgical techniques used by the veterinary surgeons have been examined by means of a questionnaire on the not-complicated caesarean section. In general there are differences between the methods applied by the veterinarians, but the majority of these differences, for example the choice of disinfectants or antibiotics, hardly influence the results of caesarean section. However, leaving out some particular steps in the operation procedure, such as vaginal examination, can lead to an inferior result. The risks of leaving out these particular steps are also discussed. The main reasons for choosing specific operation techniques or operation materials are time constraints, the level of experience of the practitioner and the costs of the materials used.