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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Catheterization of Intestinal Loops in Ruminants
Published on: June 11, 2009
Surgery of the bovine large intestine
1Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109A, 3012 Berne, Switzerland. mireille.meylan@knp.unibe.ch
Abstract:
Cecal dilatation in cows and large intestinal atresia in neonatal calves are the most important diseases of the bovine large intestine amenable to surgical correction under field conditions. Clinical symptoms, diagnostic steps, surgical and medical treatment, etiopathogenesis, and prognosis are discussed. Surgery for correction of cecal dilatation, with and without retroflexion or torsion, can be performed under field conditions. In contrast, only anal reconstruction after atresia ani or colostomy in the case of atresia coli are amenable to field surgery; more complicated bypass procedures with anastomosis for atresia coli are best performed in hospital settings. Correcting intestinal atresia is not recommended because of animal welfare and breeding hygiene issues; it should be undertaken for salvage purposes only.
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