Bruce L. Hull

Female Reproductive Surgery

Although cesarean section is covered in a separate article, this article on miscellaneous female reproductive surgery will hopefully help to get and keep the cow pregnant. Procedure such as rectovaginal lacerations, vaginal tumors, prolapsed cervical rings, and vaginal prolapse repair are covered. In addition to procedures that will help with pregnancy, ovariectomy and hysterectomy are also covered.

Teat and Udder Surgery

Teat and udder surgery is certainly one of the major areas of soft tissue surgery. In recent years, there have been great advances in what can be accomplished with teat and udder surgery. This article reviews teat and udder surgery from the simplest technique to the most complex. Diagnosis and prognosis are covered, as well as the actual surgical techniques.

Dehorning the Adult Goat

Although goats are ideally disbudded as infants, occasionally they are not. Goats grow horns much more rapidly than most owners realize and use these horns on other goats and, occasionally, people. Dehorning adult goats is not as easy as dehorning cattle. The techniques for tranquilizing, anesthetizing, and dehorning adult goats is described and aftercare is discussed.

Fractures and Luxations of the Pelvis and Proximal Femur

Although lameness caused by fractures and luxations of the pelvis and proximal femur are rare, they are serious and often end an animals productive life unless properly diagnosed and promptly treated. Diagnosis of these injuries is difficult without special radiographic equipment; however, careful physical examination will often lead to a tentative diagnosis. Coxofemoral luxations and slipped capital epiphysis are two of these life-threatening injuries. This article discusses their diagnosis and possible options for treatment, which can lead to a useful, productive life. The diagnosis of other pelvic injuries is discussed, although these injuries are often not as amenable to treatment.