Intraluminal hemorrhage from small intestinal ulceration in two cows

Two adult Holstein cows were admitted with signs of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Abomasal ulceration was diagnosed tentatively in both cows, but was later ruled out in 1 cow that had an abomasotomy performed through a right paramedian approach. Both cows failed to respond to treatment of blood loss and hypovolemic shock and became recumbent; one cow died and the other was euthanatized. Post-mortem examination determined the source of hemorrhage in both cows to be ulcerated small intestine with severe intraluminal hemorrhage. The cause of ulceration was undetermined. Small intestinal hemorrhage should be considered in cattle with signs of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage.