[Caesarean section in sows anesthetized with Azaperone and Metomidate (author's transl)]

213 caesarean sections and 157 hysterectomies were carried out in gilts and sows with different body weight (table I). The neuroleptic Azaperone and the hypnotic Metomidate were used for anaesthesia with different administration (table II). Local analgesia and premedication with Atropine. The duration of the anaesthesia was 45 minutes and where prolongation was necessary, Metomidate, Azaperone or barbiturates were used alone or in combinations once or more. The indications (table III) for caesarean section were retarded birth in 70 sows, dislocation of uterus in 74 sows and in 69 sows by other indications. Hysterectomy was indicated by retarded birth in 93 sows, dislocations of uterus in 40 cases and in 24 cases by other indications. In 183 operations (table IV) 1006 living piglets were delivered, and 703 were alive at discharge (70%). The chances of survival depends on the composition of the litter, in litters of piglets alive only, 76% survived at discharge; in litters consisting of both alive and stillborn 69% survived and 59% survived in litters consisting of piglets alive and post mortem piglets. The total survival of the sows was 78%, 80% after caesarean section and 76% after hysterectomy. It is pointed out that most of the patients operated were in a very late phase of birth.