Anaesthesia for caesarean section in the ewe: a comparison of local and general anaesthesia and the relationship between maternal and foetal values

Authors: Copland MD
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 24, Issue 10, pp 233-238, Oct 1976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Anaesthesia/analgesia/sedation, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Parturition, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Surgery
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: The sheep has been used extensively as a model for maternal, foetal and neonatal research (Assali et al 1974) and for investigating alterations in blood constituents that occur at the time of parturition (Comline and Silver, 1972). On many occasions, the acute anaesthetized preparation has been used (Assali et al 1974) and much of the data obtained from these studies may be of value in interpreting maternal and foetal events occurring during caesarean section in the ewe. However, difficulties arise trying to relate the findings of these studies to current veterinary practice. James et al (1958) demonstrated the value of blood oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions and blood pH as sensitive indicators of foetal depression. Since then these parameters have been used widely to monitor foetal depression in human infants (Crawford, 1962), calves (Ammann et al 1974), piglets (Randall, 1971), foals (Rossdale, 1969) and lambs (Morishima et al 1975). This paner compares the effects of two anaesthetic techniques on foetal and maternal blood gases, and blood pH at the time of delivery by elective caesarean section (Crawford, 1962) as performed by final year veterinary students. The relative merits of the techniques are assessed in respect of foetal depression and the relationship between maternal and foetal values in sheep is also described and discussed.

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