Complications and outcomes of swine that underwent cesarean section for resolution of dystocia: 110 cases (2013-2018).

Objective: To report the surgical survival of dams and piglets and follow-up survival and future breeding potential of swine that underwent cesarean section for correction of dystocia.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Animals: One hundred ten client-owned, female swine. All swine included in this study were breeding stock for market pigs to be used for exhibition purposes.

Methods: Medical records of swine that underwent cesarean section at The Ohio State University Hospital for Farm Animals for resolution of dystocia between January of 2013 and July of 2018 were reviewed. Signalment, history, number of piglets per litter, treatments, and surgical procedure were recorded. Follow-up information (survival, complications, and additional pregnancies) was obtained via telephone interview.

Results: A fetus was not palpable in 77 of 110 (70%) cases at presentation. The median litter size was eight piglets (range, 1-14), with medians of five (range, 0-13) live and one dead (range, 0-11) piglets per litter. Follow-up was available for 52 dams, of which 39 (75%) survived. Complications were recorded in 20 of 52 (38.46%) cases and included incisional seroma formation, lethargy, and anorexia. Twenty-three dams became pregnant and farrowed after the cesarean section, with no reported complication in 13 of these.

Conclusion: Cesarean section in swine is associated with a good prognosis for recovery from the procedure and a fair to guarded prognosis for future breeding.

Clinical significance: Cesarean section may be considered for resolution of dystocia in swine. However, owners should be advised that nearly half of sows require assistance in subsequent deliveries.