Cesarean section in camelids: indications, technique, survival, and postoperative fertility

Cesarean section is the most common surgery of the reproductive tract in camelids. However, limited information is available on indication, surgical approach, dam survival, postpartum complications, and neonatal survival following cesarean section in camelids. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate medical records on 84 camels, 29 alpacas, and 3 llamas to evaluate the above factors. Incomplete cervical dilatation (56%; n = 65/84) and uterine torsion (59.4%, n = 19/32) were the most common indications for cesarean section in camels and South American camelids (SACs), respectively. The neonatal survival (SAC: 46.9%, n = 15/32; camels: 76.2%, n = 64/84) was acceptable, and postoperative fertility was excellent (SACs = 75.86%, camels = 72.6%).