Caesarean operation in Sangai deer (Cervus eldii eldii)

An adult female Sangai deer was showing difficulty in parturition with two fetal limbs protruding from the external genitalia. Observation for a period of 18 hours did not show any improvement and the condition of the animal was deteriorating. The deer was tranquilized with a dose of 200 mg of ketamine and 20 mg xylazine with dart gun and was shifted to Zoo hospital. Per-vaginal examination revealed postural defect-head turned on the back and the fetus was dead and emphysematous. Manual correction and traction was unsuccessful and space for fetotomy was limited. Therefore it was decided to go for emergency caesarean operation. Routine aseptic preparation and operative procedure was undertaken to remove a dead fetus. Hysterotomy and laparotomy wounds were closed with vicryl 1–0. Animal recovered uneventfully from anaesthesia and came to normal apatite and activity by third day. The surgical wound developed infection on 15^th post-operative day. However, subsequent treatment as open wound for a period of one month resulted in complete recovery. Further observation for a period of 6 months did not show any related complication.