Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the process of ruminal fistulation and cannulation (RFC) using the one-stage technique and plastisol cannulas (PC) in crossbred cows (from 3/8 Holstein x.Zebu up to.Holstein x 5/8 Zebu), as well as to describe the post-operative period. Seven crossbred cows averaging 386 +/- 32 kilograms of body weight were used. Prior to surgery, two animals were fasted for 24 hours (h) and five animals were fasted for 48 h. All surgeries were performed with animals restrained in the chute station. Approximately 18.8 centimeter incision in the center of the left paralumbar fossa was done. The skin and muscular planes incision in all animals was made from dorsal to ventral direction, while the rumenotomy was made from dorsal to ventral direction in five animals, and from cranial to caudal direction with a 45 degrees angle in two animals. The average surgery time was 70 minutes. The 48-h fast decreased ruminal content, which reduced its flow over the wound at the time of surgery, compared to animals 24-h fasted. During the postoperative period, the use of intramuscular oxytetracycline was preferred, and wound cleaning was performed every 48 h. The restraint sutures were removed after 10 days. Modifying the orientation and angle of the rumenotomy incision (cranio-caudal) accelerated healing and facilitated the postoperative period. The healing time varied between 4 to 7 weeks depending on the direction of the ruminotomy and type of antibiotic. In crossbred cows, the RFC technic of one- stage and PC placement, is possible to perform safely and quickly with basic facilities to restrain the animal, and during the postoperative period, wound cleaning can be performed every 48 h.