EMERGENCY CAESAREAN SECTION WITH UTERINE AMPUTATION FOR CHRONIC VAGINAL REDUCTION: CASE STUDY

Abstract

The present study reports an emergency care case in cattle, specifically a pregnant female, presenting with an irreducible vaginal prolapse in the final stage of gestation, which occurred on a rural property in the municipality of Cacoal, Rondônia, Brazil. Vaginal prolapse in cattle represents a reproductive disorder of significant clinical relevance, especially in pregnant females, as it can compromise both fetal viability and maternal health when not treated promptly. Upon arrival at the site, the veterinary team identified severe clinical signs, such as pale mucous membranes, apathy, absence of ruminal motility, reduced reflexes, and exteriorization of the vaginal mucosa with marked edema and necrosis. Given the impossibility of manual reduction of the prolapse and the detected fetal viability, an emergency surgical approach was chosen. The procedure consisted of a cesarean section performed through the left paralumbar fossa, under epidural anesthesia with 2% lidocaine and adequate physical restraint. After fetal removal, partial uterine necrosis was observed, which required partial uterine amputation followed by double-layer suturing. The abdominal cavity was irrigated with sterile saline solution, and the abdominal wall was closed in anatomical layers. The therapeutic protocol included antibiotic therapy with benzathine penicillin and streptomycin, as well as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on flunixin meglumine. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for seven days, showing favorable clinical evolution without complications. This case highlights the importance of rapid and efficient veterinary intervention in the field, as well as decision-making grounded in the animal’s clinical and anatomical conditions. The emergency surgical approach proved effective in preserving the life of the dam and also contributed to minimizing reproductive and economic losses in cattle production.