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Abomasal displacement and volvulus in beef cattle: 19 cases (1988-1998).
A J Roussel1, N D Cohen, R N Hooper
1Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 9, 2000
Summary
Abomasal displacement in beef cattle, including abomasal volvulus (AV) and right displaced abomasum (RDA), often presents with prolonged clinical signs. However, survival rates for non-ruptured cases are comparable to dairy cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Ruminant Health
- Surgical Conditions in Cattle
Background:
- Abomasal displacement, including left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), and abomasal volvulus (AV), are recognized conditions in cattle.
- While commonly studied in dairy cattle, data on these conditions in beef cattle are less prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes for beef cattle diagnosed with LDA, RDA, or AV.
- To compare the clinical course and prognosis of abomasal displacement in beef cattle versus established data from dairy cattle.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted on 19 beef cattle with LDA, RDA, or AV.
- Data collected included signalment, history, physical and laboratory findings, surgical exploration results, and patient outcome from medical records.
Main Results:
- Abomasal volvulus (AV) was the most common diagnosis (14/19), followed by RDA (4/19) and LDA (1/19).
- Clinical signs ranged from 1 to 21 days. Common findings included abdominal distention, elevated heart rate, and palpable abomasum. Laboratory abnormalities such as leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hyperglycemia, azotemia, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia were frequent.
- Three cattle with AV or RDA had abomasal rupture; 12 of the remaining 15 cattle survived.
Conclusions:
- Abomasal displacement in beef cattle may have a more protracted clinical course than typically observed in dairy cattle.
- Survival rates for beef cattle without abomasal rupture were similar to those reported for dairy cattle.
- Abdominal distention in beef cattle warrants consideration for abomasal displacement, and prognostic indicators used for dairy cattle may not be directly applicable.