Descriptive Analysis of Bovine Cesarean Section Cases at Federal University of Agriculture Veterinary Clinic, Abeokuta

Cesarean section in cattle is a major obstetric surgical procedure indicated when normal parturition is obstructed due to maternal or fetal factors. This descriptive study analyzes bovine cesarean section cases presented at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Veterinary Clinic in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, over a three-year period from 2021 to 2024. Records of all cesarean cases were retrospectively reviewed for breed, parity, indication, surgical approach, anesthetic protocol, fetal viability, and dam survival rates. A total of 47 cases were documented. Friesian-Zebu crossbreeds accounted for 53% of patients, and primary uterine inertia combined with absolute fetal oversize was the most common indication at 38%. The left flank laparotomy was the predominant surgical approach, utilized in 87% of cases. Epidural anesthesia supplemented with local infiltration was the anesthetic technique of record. Live calf delivery was achieved in 62% of surgeries, while dam survival to 30 days postoperative was 79%. Delayed referral beyond 12 hours of obstructed labor was significantly associated with reduced dam and calf survival. These findings emphasize the importance of timely obstetric intervention and the need for improved referral systems connecting rural cattle farmers in South Western Nigeria with qualified veterinary surgeons. Practical training in emergency obstetric surgery should be prioritized in undergraduate veterinary curricula. Keywords: bovine cesarean section, obstetric surgery, Abeokuta, calf survival, parturition.