The biggest problem we see is that people do not take their ewes off feed and water when they are instructed. The protocol for both LAI and ET calls for the ewes being bred or having surgery to be off feed AND water for 24 hours ahead of the procedure. It is important to follow this detail for several reasons. First, this aids in emptying the rumen. Why would we want an empty rumen? This allows us to have safe space to work within the abdomen. It keeps the rumen away from any incision, thus decreasing the chances of a rumen puncture. As well, this limits the risk of the ewe or doe from aspirating any regurgitated fluid/debris when inverted on the cradles. An empty rumen also aids in smoother anesthesia while the ewe is undergoing surgery. The weight of a full rumen puts extensive amount of pressure on the lungs, making it very difficult to breathe effectively. The rumen is a large container of feed and water so the reservoir needs emptying. This is much the same reason humans are required to not eat or drink for a prolonged period of time prior to any human surgery.
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