Large intra-abdominal abscess of umbilical origin

A Piedmontese heifer approximately three months old has long shown symptoms of maldigestion, poor growth, and mild recurrent hyperthermia. The farmer reports that in recent days, the animal has further reduced feed intake and rumination. Upon clinical examination, in addition to confirming the animal's precarious general state, the only pathological finding identified through deep manual palpation of the umbilical structures consists of an enlargement and hardening of the umbilical artery remnants. Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity caudal to the umbilicus reveals a cord and a significant collection of encapsulated pus. We therefore decide to intervene surgically.
Sedation with 2% Xylazine; high sacrococcygeal epidural with Procaine.
Dorso-lateral recumbency with a slight forward tilt; thorough preparation of the surgical field; procaine infiltration around the umbilical area. Application of an intravenous catheter for fluid administration during the procedure. Pre-surgical administration of i.m. penicillin, to be repeated every 24 hours for several days.