Veterinary Medicine 1 - Large Animal Surgery

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Questions and Answers

Which type of surgical site preparation is essential before a procedure?

Hair removal and disinfectant application (correct)

Covering the patient with drapes without prior prep

Using sterile gloves only

Cleaning and disinfecting the entire patient

What is the primary reason for using intra-peritoneal antibiotics?

To provide overall body support

To reduce the risk of infection directly at the site (correct)

To sterilize the entire body

To eliminate the need for other medications

Which of the following factors is NOT essential for post-operative care?

Accessibility to food and water

Isolation from other animals

Performance of surgery site dressing changes (correct)

Protection from bullying by other animals

What is the potential downside of using antibiotic sprays during surgery?

They could increase the risk of adhesions Signup and view all the answers

What cleaning method is considered ideal for the surgical team prior to a procedure?

Scrubbing with chlorhexidine followed by drying Signup and view all the answers

Which surgical procedure is commonly performed on cattle to correct the positioning of the abomasum?

Right displaced abomasum correction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common surgical procedure performed on sheep?

Castration Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration during the aftercare of in-field surgical procedures performed on pigs?

Thermoregulation Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is commonly performed on alpacas?

Tooth root abscess treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which type of castration is described as commonly done in pigs prior to slaughter?

Closed castration Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is commonly used for local anaesthesia in a Caesarean section for cattle?

Xylazine Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is essential for maintaining a sterile environment during a surgical procedure?

Sterile drapes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a necessary step in the preparation for field surgery?

Clip the surgical site Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using antiseptic like Chlorhexidine before surgery?

To disinfect the surgical site Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Dopram in veterinary surgeries?

To stimulate breathing Signup and view all the answers

In field surgery, why is physical restraint important?

It minimizes the risk of injury to the staff. Signup and view all the answers

When preparing a surgical site, which step follows cleaning the surgical site?

Open surgical kit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the equipment for a Caesarean section on a cow?

Feeding trough Signup and view all the answers

Which step should be performed first in reducing infection risk during surgical preparation?

Initial clean Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using iodine-povidone during surgical preparation?

To inactivate microbes quickly Signup and view all the answers

Why should razor blades be avoided during aseptic preparation?

They can disrupt the epidermis Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for the surgical scrub technique?

Using a new surgical kit for each procedure Signup and view all the answers

What factor minimizes the effectiveness of iodine-povidone during surgery?

Organic debris Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the sterile preparation phase?

Wearing sterile gloves Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of draping in surgical preparation?

To isolate the surgical site from contamination Signup and view all the answers

Which agent has less susceptibility to inactivation by organic debris during aseptic preparation?

Chlorhexidine Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum age for a pig to undergo tail docking?

7 days Signup and view all the answers

What must be administered when performing castration on pigs aged 7 days or over?

Anaesthetic and prolonged analgesia Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met before performing tooth reduction in pigs?

Environmental conditions must be improved Signup and view all the answers

Who is allowed to perform tail docking on pigs older than 7 days?

A veterinary surgeon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding tusk trimming in pigs?

It may only be done to prevent injury. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a typical reason for performing surgeries in equines in the field?

Cryptorchid procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure must not involve tearing of tissues during execution?

Castration Signup and view all the answers

What must occur if tail-biting and vices are still observed despite improved management systems?

Tooth reduction may be performed Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of conducting surgery in the field rather than in a theater?

Lower overall costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common risk associated with field surgery?

Limited resources and supplies Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the preparation for field surgery?

Informed owner and signed consent form Signup and view all the answers

How should cases be evaluated for field surgery versus referral?

The value of the animal and cost of aftercare must be considered Signup and view all the answers

What type of therapy is important for managing postoperative care in field surgery?

Fluids and antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following weighs the least among the large animals discussed?

Ewe Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure requires a veterinary surgeon to conduct it in cattle according to the regulations?

Surgical castration Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor to consider when making decisions about field surgery?

Safety of the animal and the surgeon involved Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Veterinary Medicine 1 - Large Animal Field Surgery

Course code: VMS3010
Instructor: Professor Peter Cockcroft
University: University of Surrey

Learning Objectives

Describe the requirements for producing aseptic surgical conditions in the field.
Explain the limitations of field surgery and evaluation of when surgery in a theatre or referral is indicated.
Describe surgeon preparation in relation to field surgery and how to achieve this.
Illustrate principles using examples of common surgical procedures.

Topics

Risks and benefits of field surgery
Regulations for field surgical procedures
Case studies of field surgery
Preparation for field surgery, including managing risks
Antimicrobial therapy
Patient care
General principles of field surgery

Benefits and Risks of Field Surgery

Benefits:*
Convenience
Cost-effectiveness (often cheaper)
Biosecurity (animal stays on farm)
Handling facilities on farm
Reduced stress of handling
Risks:*
Increased risk of infection
Limited resources
Health and safety concerns
Limited assistance

Considerations for Field Surgery

Cost-benefit analysis (value of the animal, procedure, aftercare, slaughter value)
Animal safety (animal, surgeon, other staff)
Animal welfare (anaesthesia type, fluids, antibiotics)
Aftercare (fly control, access to food, water, isolation procedures)
Analgesia (NSAIDs, minimal movement)
Informed owner and signed consent

Economics

Establish animal value (alive or at slaughter)
Indicative prices (horses, cows, bulls, ewes, rams, gilts, boars, alpacas). Specific price ranges provided.

Weights of Large Animals

Weights and sizes of different large animals in kilogram or pounds. (Horses, cows, ewes, sows, alpacas).

Regulations - Cattle

Table providing details about surgical procedures in cattle (cast, surgical cast, disbudding, chemical cauterisation and dehorning), procedures required, age restrictions, operator requirements, anaesthesia, and analgesic considerations.

Regulations - Sheep

Table offering guidelines for surgical procedures in sheep (cast, tail docking, rubber ring procedures, dehorning/disbudding). Includes restrictions by age, operator requirements, anaesthesia, and analgesic use.

Regulations - Pigs

Tail docking procedures are only acceptable when measures to improve environmental conditions to prevent tail-biting have been taken.
Tooth reduction (tooth clipping) and the requirements for its execution on animal aged not over 7 days.
Tusk trimming procedure only when necessary to prevent injury to other animals, or for safety reasons.
Method for castration must not involve the tearing of tissues and must be accompanied with anaesthesia and additional prolonged analgesia for animals over 7 days old.

When to Refer

Complex procedures
Poor restraint
High-value animals
High risk of litigation
High risk of infection

Common Surgical Procedures - Equine

Routine castration (cryptorchid should be referred)
Stitch-ups
Other emergency procedures

Common Surgical Procedures - Cattle

Left displaced abomasum correction
Right displaced abomasum correction
Caesarean section
Exploratory laparotomy/rumenotomy
Displaced/torsion of caecum
Open/Closed Castration
Disbudding/dehorning
Digital amputation
Enucleation
Wound repair

Common Surgical Procedures - Sheep

Caesarean section
Open castration
Laparotomy
Wound repair

Common Surgical Procedures - Alpacas

Castration
Tooth root abscess
Fractures
Wound repair
Anti-tetanus, be wary of cervical injuries

In-Field Surgical Procedures - Pigs

Castration
Hernia repairs
Caesarean sections
Digital amputation
Aftercare (pig mixing warnings)
Thermoregulation
Pet pigs (common practices)
Ovaro-hysterectomy
Entropion

Case Study

Procedure: Caesarean section in a cow on a farm
Requirement: List of drugs and equipment. (Note: Drugs and equipment are included below)

Drugs

Local anaesthetic
NSAIDS
Oxytocin
Dopram
Xylazine
Antibiotics (injectable and topical)

Equipment

Sterile surgical kit
Suture material
Sterile drapes
Needles
Syringes
Chlorhexidine/povidone-iodine
Scalpel blades
Sterile swabs
Sterile gloves
Arm-length gloves
Buckets
Sterile gown
Face masks
Head light
Clippers plus brushes for cleaning blades & lubricant oil
Animal technician/nurse
Calf resuscitator

In-Field Basics

Lighting
Protection from weather
Tables
Water supply
Additional help

Preparation for Field Surgery

Animal restraint and environment safety
Administer systemic antimicrobials
Administer systemic NSAIDS
Local anaesthesia
Clip surgical site
Clean surgical site
Surgical scrub
Sterile prep
Surgical hand washing, gowning & gloving
Open surgical kit

Restraint Methods

Cattle: Crush, swing gate, head restraint, sedation, casting with ropes.
Alpacas: Chute, casting, sedation, holding.
Pigs: Snare, sedation.
Horses: Halter, sedation, twitch, stocks

Preparation for Field Surgery: Managing Risks

Isolate the animal
Remove others from pen/field
Physical restraint (crush, swing gate)
Casting
Chemical restraint
Sedation
Tail immobilisation
Tying/bandaging
Prioritise human safety

Organising Equipment & Assistance

Check equipment inventory
Ensure equipment accessibility
Communicate efficiently with assistant

Reducing Risk-Aseptic Preparation

Clip the area
Remove hair
Remove organic debris
Use clippers
Use surgical clippers
Use razor blades (caution)
Avoid razor blades
Reduce the risk of bacterial colonization

Reducing Infection Risk - Aseptic Preparation

lodine-povidone
Chlorhexidine

Reducing Infection Risk- Aseptic Preparation (1) Tail Prep

Bandage
Tie to back legs
Initial clean
Surgical scrub
Further dirt removal using antiseptic
Sterile prep (using swabs and antiseptic)
Draping
Surgical site isolation

Surgical Scrub Technique

Reducing Infection Risk - Aseptic Preparation (2)

Surgeon
Surgical scrub
Dry with towelling
Gowning & gloving
Sterile kit
Place kit within reach
Clean tray/drape

Sterile Surgical Kit

Plan for instruments
Planning expected complications

Drapes

Clean, disposable paper drape
Fixed with towel clamp

Reducing Infection Risk - Maintaining Asepsis

Communication
Briefing, problem anticipation
Environment (pen/cover)
No other animals
Well-restrained animals
Resources (equipment on stable surface)

Reducing Infection Risk - Antimicrobial Therapy

Recommendations based on human research
No evidence on ideal course length
Antimicrobials (reach MIC)
Administration time (IM drugs, IV drugs)

Reducing Infection Risk- Antimicrobial Therapy (2)

Infection status (Non-contaminated/Contaminated/Infected)
Risk of contamination
Likely bacteria present
Resistance testing

Reducing Infection Risk - Antimicrobial Therapy (3)

Minimum duration of treatment.

Reducing Infection Risk - Antimicrobial therapy (4) Topical

Purpose (reduce post-surgical contamination/intra-abdominal infection)
Options (antibiotic sprays, antiseptic sprays like aluminium)

Patient Care

Owner's ability to provide appropriate aftercare
Facilities (access to food, water, protection from weather, bullying)
Hygiene (faeces/urine)
Fly control
Isolation or re-introduction to herd
Concerns with lactating cows
Analgesic administration
NSAID use for movement reduction and support
Soft bedding
Ensuring animals periodically change positions.

General Principles of Surgery

Surgical site preparation
Hair removal
Disinfection (povidone-iodine/chlorhexidine/saline/alcohol)
Patient prep (zones)
Draperies
Tapes, Clips (disposable-reusable options)

Preparation - Surgeon

Hand and arms scrubbing
Cleaning
Disinfecting
Sterile gloves
Plastic sleeves and gown
Mask
Headlight.

Resources

Desrochers A, (2005) General Principles of Surgery Applied to Cattle Vet Clin Food Anim 21 (2005) 1–17

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles and practices of field surgery in large animals. This quiz covers aseptic techniques, evaluation of surgical procedures, and case studies relevant to veterinary medicine. Gain insights into the preparation and risks associated with performing surgery outside of a clinical setting.