Emergency C-Sections for Goats, Cows & Pigs
Timely Surgical Intervention to Save Lives During Difficult Births
While many livestock deliveries go smoothly, complications can arise quickly and require emergency intervention to protect the lives of both the mother and her offspring. At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we perform emergency cesarean sections (C-sections) for goats, cows, and pigs when natural delivery is no longer safe or possible.
Our mobile and in-clinic services allow us to act quickly when time is critical—offering skilled surgical care, supportive treatment, and post-op guidance for both dam and babies.
What Is a C-Section?
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is opened to deliver offspring directly, bypassing the birth canal. It is typically performed when dystocia (difficult labor) occurs and natural delivery would pose a serious risk to the mother or babies.
When to Be Concerned: Signs of Trouble During Labor
It’s important to act quickly if you notice any of the following:
In Goats & Sheep:
- Pushing for more than 30–45 minutes with no progress
- Only part of the kid (e.g., a leg or head) is visible and stuck
- Signs of exhaustion or distress in the doe
- More than 12 hours since the start of early labor without birth
- Bad-smelling discharge or evidence of a dead kid
In Cows:
- Labor lasting more than 2 hours with no progress
- Malpresentation (e.g., tail-first or upside-down calf)
- Large calf that cannot pass through the pelvis
- Twin births where one calf is blocking the other
- Prolonged labor followed by weakness, tremors, or downed cow
In Sows:
- More than 1 hour between piglets during farrowing
- Straining without delivering a piglet
- Only partial delivery of a piglet (e.g., head or limb showing)
- Signs of distress: vocalizing, panting, lethargy •
- More than 12 hours into labor with fewer piglets than expected
If you're unsure—call early. Waiting too long increases the risk of death for both the dam and the offspring.
Why a C-Section May Be Needed
- Fetal oversize or incorrect position
- Uterine torsion or rupture risk
- Failure of the cervix to dilate
- Exhaustion of the dam (especially common in goats and older cows)
- Incomplete deliveries or stuck piglets
- History of difficult births
What to Expect from the Procedure
A C-section is typically performed under local or regional anesthesia (sometimes general anesthesia, depending on the animal and situation). Our surgical steps include:
- Sedation or restraint for the dam
- Sterile preparation of the surgical site
- A precise incision through the abdominal wall and uterus
- Removal of the fetus or fetuses
- Closure of the uterus and abdominal wall in layers
- Post-operative care: antibiotics, pain management, fluids, and monitoring
- Immediate assessment of offspring—resuscitation or nursing support if needed
We also evaluate the dam’s uterus for damage, retained placentas, or infection risk during surgery.
Aftercare for Dam and Offspring
The dam may need:
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications
- A clean, quiet recovery area
- Support for nursing or bottle-feeding if weak
- Monitoring for appetite, urination, and behavior
- Recheck for wound healing and signs of infection
Offspring may need:
- Drying and warming (especially in cold or wet weather)
- Assistance nursing or colostrum administration
- Monitoring for weakness, hypothermia, or poor suckle reflex
Why Acting Fast Matters
- Delaying care during dystocia can result in:
- Dead or severely compromised offspring
- Uterine rupture or death of the mother
- Increased recovery time or complications
- Greater risk of retained placenta and post-partum infection
Early veterinary intervention is often the difference between a successful outcome and a loss.
Need Help with a Difficult Birth?
If your goat, cow, or sow is struggling during labor, call us at (337) 893-8522. Our experienced large animal team is equipped for fast response and surgical care—on your farm or in our clinic —when every minute counts.