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Foetotomy

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Calving Management and Newborn Calf Care
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Abstract

This chapter addresses the main aspects related to the total or partial foetotomy procedure in cows. Foetotomy or embryotomy allows splitting a foetus into smaller parts which can be more easily removed via the vagina. Foetal accessibility through the intact birth canal, uterine integrity, foetal death and the impossibility to complete the vaginal delivery of the entire foetus are the premises to choose this obstetrical procedure. Percutaneous foetotomy is currently the preferred and safest method to perform cuts on the foetal extremities, destruncation and bisection of the pelvis. The foetatome allows using a saw wire inside the uterus originating longitudinal, transverse or oblique cut sections. In total foetotomy, the cut sequence of oversized foetuses can be accomplished according to the Utrecht (up to seven cuts) or Götze (up to nine cuts) techniques in both anterior and posterior foetal presentation. The Schätz technique allows reducing the foetotomy to four cuts, suitable for smaller foetuses. Partial foetotomy is useful to solve dystocia caused by irreducible foetal malpostures, hiplock or some monstrosities. Aftercare procedures involve uterine lavage, oxytocin administration and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

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Foetotomy Procedures

Suggested Reading

  • Vermunt JJ, Parkinson TJ. Defects of presentation, position and posture in livestock: delivery by foetotomy. Chap. 15. In: Noakes DE, Parkinson TJ, England GCW, editors. Arthur’s veterinary reproduction and obstetrics. 10th ed. Elsevier: Amsterdam, Netherlands; 2019. p. 277–90.

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Correspondence to João Simões .

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Simões, J., Stilwell, G. (2021). Foetotomy. In: Calving Management and Newborn Calf Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68168-5_7

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