Cesarean section in a Bongo antelope.

PREGNANCY was tentatively diagnosed in a 2 y2 -year-old nulliparous Bongo antelope (Boocerus eurycerus) on Feb. 4, 1972, and she was separated from the herd on Feb. 26, 1972. Mammary gland development and vulvar swelling was noticed in early March and the position of the fetus was cranioventral in the abdomen. Signs of labor and impending parturition occurred on March 25, 1972. During a 5-hour period, the antelope strained and alternately stood or laid down. A fetus could be ballotted deeply ventral in the abdomen. Following this episode, the antelope became quiet and further signs of labor were not observed. During the next 6 months the abdomen continued to enlarge, with the fetus remaining deep in the abdomen, creating a pot-bellied appearance. Attempts to monitor fetal heartbeat in early May, using an ultrasonic doppler device and electrocardiography, were unsuccessful due to maternal cutaneous movements. Results of blood analysis at 60-day intervals, starting May 10, 1972, were considered normal. Concurrent rectal examinations revealed normal fetal membranes, but at no time could fetal movement be detected. The fetus was located ventrally, well below the pelvic brim. On Sept. 14, 1972, amniocentesis was performed and 20 ml. of red amber fluid was obtained. Results of bacteriologic culture of the fluid were negative; chemical analysis revealed protein, 3.9 Gm./lOO ml.; total cell count, 9.6/cmm.; and sugar 25 mg./lOO ml. Differential staining of cellular components indicated a fullterm fetus. Normal parturition was considered unlikely because of the estimated disparity of size of fetus and maternal pelvic canal and the position of the fetus deep in the abdomen. In addition, the red color of the amniotic fluid was a grave sign, suggesting fetal death. Surgical intervention was scheduled to coincide with the end of the gestation period resulting from the last possible breeding. The antelope was given estradiol (Estra, Burns Pharmaceuticals) to sensitize the uterus