Cesarean section in Iraqi Awassi ewes: A case study

We describe criteria for choosing Cesarean section to treat dystocia, and identify factors that appeared to influence the success of Cesarean section in Iraqi Awassi ewes under clinical condition. The study was conducted on 276 ewes presented for dystocia during the lambing seasons from 1985 to 1990. Out of 130 (47%) ewes assigned to undergo Cesarean section, 65 (50%) had ringwomb, while oversized fetus, emphysematous fetus, fetal monsters and hydroallantois accounted for 37 (28%), 16 (13%), 10 (7%) and 2 (1%) of the ewes, respectively. Primiparous and 2-year old ewes (54%) as well as ewes carrying singletons (53%) were assigned to surgery more frequently than multiparous ewes over 2 Y of age carrying twins. Ewes that delivered male lambs underwent surgery more frequently than those with female lambs (63 vs 37%). The maternal survival rate was 95% while after 86% of the surgeries the ewes had an uncomplicated recovery and conceived in the following estrus. Based on this case study, Cesarean section appears to be a safe and successful procedure for management of dystocia in Iraqi Awassi ewes.