The Vet Practice

As you can imagine, our days can be less than predictable, expecially when emergencies crop up forcing us to reschedule some of our routine (non urgent) appointments.

Attending to farm animals having difficulties giving birth is just one of those times where we need to change our plans and send out a vet quickly.

We clearly remember - (on more than one occasion) where a client has exclaimed "Don't be silly, Cows don't have caesareans" ...... because they simply didn't believe this could really be the reason why their appointment had to be delayed.

The truth is - animals can have difficulties giving birth too. In the case of the humble cow, it too can produce a calf which is simply too large to fit through the pelvic canal. This can happen for a number of different reasons such as:

• The cow hadn't reached full maturity before falling pregnant
• The size or breed of the bull might be inappropriate for the size of the cow or
• The breed of cow may be predisposed to needing a caesarean

Cow caesareans are performed out in the field as is most of our large animal work. The operation is performed using a combination of an epidural and local anaesthetic so the cow is fully awake and standing up during the procedure. The incision is made on the flank (side) through which the calf is then delivered.

The best chance of a live cow and calf is to act quickly. Leaving a cow straining for too long is dangerous for her and for her unborn calf so the sooner a vet is called, the better the probability of a good outcome.

If left unattended the calf will die and start decomposing inside the body. The harmful toxins given off by bacteria produced by the dead calf will cause the cow to become seriously ill and eventually die.

Calving can occur at any time of day - or night. We've performed many of these procedures over the years often in the dead of night under the beams of car headlights and torches - most often in Wintery conditions and even in snow.

Ah - the life of a country vet!

But if after all that effort you see the newborn take its first wobbly steps and stumble towards mum for a clean and some warm milk - you know it's all been worth it.

Ask us about all our other cattle services to include: General consultations, Pregnancy testing, Calvings, Herd Health advice, Medical and surgical procedures.

We cover: Whittlesea, Wallan, Kilmore, Lancefield, Kinglake, Donnybrook, Yarrambat, Doreen, Arthurs Creek and surrounds.

Emergency service available 24/7