Abomasal foreign body and left-sided displacement in a pregnant cow

By percussion left displaced abomasum (LDA) was identified in a 7-month pregnant Ayrshire cow which had presented with progressive abdominal distension despite a 5-day history of inappetence. An explorative laparotomy was performed and extensive fibrinous adhesions were identified between the abomasum, diaphragm and left abdominal wall. At the centre of these adhesions a 10 cm length of wire had penetrated the abomasal wall. Haematological analysis undertaken pre-surgery revealed a marked inflammatory response and profound disturbance of serum chloride and sodium concentrations. Following surgical correction of the LDA and intensive supportive therapy the cow made an uneventful recovery.