The use of clenbuterol for obstetrical procedures in forty cows and one horse.

Clenbuterol is a beta-2 sympathicomimetic drug that has been used successfully for short-term postponement of parturition in the cow and for easier manipulation of both the uterus and fetus.In a mixed practice this drug was used in 41 obstetrical cases during the 1982 and 1983 calving seasons. In 26 of 34 uterine prolapses replacement was completed without epidural anesthesia and uterine relaxation was noted in all but one case.Furthermore clenbuterol greatly facilitated the manipulation of both the uterus and the fetus while performing cesarean sections and fetotomies.Adverse reactions to the drug were not seen.