Congenital omphalocele in four calves, their surgical management and outcome

Four newborn dairy calves with omphalocele including one additionally with atresia ani and anury were presented for treatment. The mass (diameter: 12.0 and 23.0cm respectively) in two calves was covered by continuation of the umbilical cord. In the remaining two calves the covering had disrupted and the intestines were hanging from the umbilicus. Herniorrhaphy was performed under sedation using diazepam and local infiltration analgesia with lignocaine hydrochloride (2%). In the calf with atresia ani, anal opening was created under caudal epidural block. Three of the calves recovered completely and the remaining one died. It was concluded that the surgical treatment of calves with omphalocele have good prognosis provided they are presented promptly without mutilation of the mass.