SONOGRAPHIC CONTROL OF POSTOPERATIVE WOUN D-HEALING AFTER CESAREAN-SECTION IN CATTLE

In this study, the use of transcutaneous ultrasonography for the post- operative control of wound healing after caesarean section in cattle w as investigated. In 20 cows, admitted to our clinic because of dystoci a, a caesarean section was performed via the left flank. Post-operativ ely, the laparotomy wound was checked with a 5.0 and a 7.5 MHz linear probe every three days until the animal was discharged. In 10 animals, accumulation of fluid was detected ultrasonographically before fluctu ation could be palpated in the peri-incision area. The fluid was aspir ated after punctuation of the skin and was submitted for microbiologic al analysis. In 5 cases, sterile haemato-seromas were diagnosed and re sorption of the process was followed by repeated ultrasonographic exam ination. In 5 animals, bacteria could be cultured and in 4 of these ca ses, development of an abscess was detected with repeated ultrasonogra phy. In one cow, an infected heamatoma was found which remained unchan ged, both ultrasonographically and clinically until the animal was dis charged. In conclusion, ultrasonography does add important findings to the clinical evaluation of the laparotomy wound after caesarean secti on and can be used for early diagnosis of a disturbed healing process.