Caesarean section


Definition of Caesarean section

From the elephant glossary Section: pathology


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Caesarean section, also known as C-section, or caesarean delivery, is the surgical procedure by which one or more babies are delivered through an incision in the mother's Abdomen, often performed because vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk.

A true caesarean section with elephants is impossible, since the pressure and weight of testines makes it impossible to bring them into their body again, once taken out. Therefore an opening is made under the anus, through which the baby can be pulled out. This operation is connected with several risks, as can be seen from the list below, with complications and deaths.


As Caesarean section, the most common ultima ratio in domestic animal obstetrics, is lethal and therefore not an option in the elephant, non-invasive medical treatment, induction of the Fergusson reflex or the conscious decision to leave a retained foetus until it is expelled voluntarily, are key elements in elephant obstetrics.
R.Hermesa1, J. Saragustya, W.Schaftenaar, D. Göritza, D.L.Schmitt, T.B.Hildebrandt; Obstetrics in elephants



Jean has developed peritonitis, an abdominal infection, and may not survive, a spokesman at the San Diego Wild Animal Park said Wednesday.

Jean, a 19-year-old Asian elephant, was in critical condition Tuesday after she suddenly developed peritonitis and refused to take liquids or food, said Tom Hanscom."She is severely dehydrated and incredibly weak. If she does not show a dramatic turnaround in the next 24 hours, we will probably lose her," said Hanscom.

Jean made elephant history twice this month. In early November she entered her third year of Pregnancy, setting a new record for the longest elephant Gestation. On Nov. 20, after her fetus was found to be dead and decomposing, she underwent an unprecedented Caesarean section.
Deseret News, Nov 30, 1989


Reference list Koehl, Dan, (2024). Caesarean section. Elephant Encyclopedia, available online retrieved 20 September 2021 at https://www.elephant.se/index.php?id=216. (archived at the Wayback machine)

Sources used for this article is among others:


Selected publications
  • Hermes R, Saragusty J, Schaftenaar W, Göritz F, Schmitt DL, Hildebrandt TB. Obstetrics in elephants. Theriogenology. 2008 Jul 15;70(2):131-44. Epub 2008 May 21. PMID: 18499243.

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Categories glossary | pathology


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