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Abomasal dilatation and impaction in two Hampshire rams.
R M Smith1, W J Underwood, G C Petersen
1Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture, Animal Maintenance Center, University Park 16801.
The Veterinary Record
|May 23, 1992
Summary
Two Hampshire rams experienced intermittent bloat and anorexia due to an enlarged abomasum, a condition previously seen only in Suffolk sheep. This finding suggests a potential breed predisposition to abomasal emptying syndrome in sheep.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Sheep Husbandry
Background:
- Investigating the cause of intermittent bloat and anorexia in adult Hampshire rams.
- Previous descriptions of similar clinical signs were limited to the Suffolk sheep breed.
Observation:
- Two unrelated Hampshire rams presented with intermittent bloat, anorexia, depression, and cachexia over 3-6 weeks.
- Clinical examination revealed hypermotile rumen, enlarged doughy ventral abdomen, mild prerenal azotaemia, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and high rumen chloride.
- Post-mortem examination showed significantly enlarged abomasums (4-6 times normal size) impacted with ingesta.
Findings:
- The abomasal abnormality in Hampshire rams was clinically identical to abomasal emptying syndrome.
- This suggests abomasal emptying syndrome may not be exclusive to the Suffolk breed.
Implications:
- The findings indicate a potential breed predisposition for abomasal emptying syndrome in Hampshire sheep.
- Further research is warranted to understand the aetiology and genetic factors involved.
- This expands the known clinical presentation of abomasal emptying syndrome in small ruminants.