Postnatal Care and Surgical Management of Congenital Giant Omphalocele in a Sahiwal Cross Calf: A Case Report

Abstract

Omphalocele is a notorious congenital anomaly for bovine calves. Calves affected with this condition are born with a defective abdominal wall. A day-old, newborn female Sahiwal cross calf weighing 21 kg was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, because of a hairless mass covered by a thin paper-like membrane (amnion) detected by the owner in the navel area immediately after birth. The owner wrapped the navel mass with a clean and moist cloth to keep the membrane intact, avoid dirt, and protect the mass from pressure damage. Clinical investigation of the calf’s navel mass revealed omphalocele containing intestinal loops and liver. Herniorrhaphy was performed to close the abdominal opening. Postsurgically, medication with normal saline, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic were performed properly. The calf showed steady and progressive recovery without postsurgical complications. This report warrants a record for veterinarians that an appropriate surgical approach and proper first care and maintenance are essential for successful recovery of a case of giant omphalocele in a bovine calf.