ICVA Bovine Surgical Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which local anesthetic technique is most commonly used for standing flank laparotomy in cattle?
- Inverted-L block (Correct answer)
- Paravertebral nerve block
- Ring block
- Epidural anesthesia
Correct answer: Inverted-L block
The inverted-L block desensitizes the paralumbar fossa by infiltrating along the caudal edge of the last rib and the lateral edge of the lumbar transverse processes.
Question 2: What is the primary advantage of the right paramedian abomasopexy over right flank abomasopexy in cattle?
- Allows direct visualization and permanent fixation of the abomasum (Correct answer)
- Requires less anesthesia
- Can be performed with the cow standing
- Reduces risk of vagal indigestion
Correct answer: Allows direct visualization and permanent fixation of the abomasum
Right paramedian abomasopexy allows the surgeon to directly visualize the abomasum and suture it to the body wall, providing permanent fixation.
Question 3: During a cesarean section in a cow, which layer is NOT routinely closed as a separate layer?
- Peritoneum (Correct answer)
- External abdominal oblique muscle
- Subcutaneous tissue
- Skin
Correct answer: Peritoneum
The peritoneum is often not closed as a separate layer in bovine cesarean sections, as it heals adequately without closure and separate closure is time-consuming.
Question 4: What is the recommended approach for surgical correction of a uterine torsion that cannot be corrected manually?
- Flank laparotomy with rolling and manual detorsion (Correct answer)
- Immediate cesarean section without detorsion
- Vaginal extraction using a snare
- Rectal manual correction under epidural
Correct answer: Flank laparotomy with rolling and manual detorsion
Flank laparotomy allows the surgeon to manually detorse the uterus by rotating the calf and uterus back to the normal position before proceeding with delivery.
Question 5: Which suture pattern is most appropriate for closing the uterine incision during a bovine cesarean section?
- Utrecht (double Lembert) pattern (Correct answer)
- Simple interrupted pattern
- Cushing pattern only
- Purse-string suture
Correct answer: Utrecht (double Lembert) pattern
The Utrecht pattern, a double inverting suture technique, provides secure uterine closure with inversion of both layers and is the standard for bovine uterine incisions.
Question 6: A cow presents with hardware disease. Which surgical approach is used to perform a rumenotomy?
- Left paralumbar fossa (Correct answer)
- Right paralumbar fossa
- Ventral midline
- Left paramedian
Correct answer: Left paralumbar fossa
A rumenotomy is performed through the left paralumbar fossa because the rumen is located on the left side of the abdomen in cattle.
Question 7: What is the most appropriate analgesic protocol for post-surgical pain management in dairy cattle in the US?
- Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) IV (Correct answer)
- Aspirin oral only
- Morphine epidural as first-line
- Ketoprofen without veterinary oversight
Correct answer: Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) IV
Flunixin meglumine is the most commonly used and FDA-approved NSAID for cattle in the US, effective for post-operative pain and inflammation when administered IV.
ICVA Bovine Surgical Principles 2
Which local anesthetic technique is most commonly used for standing flank laparotomy in cattle?