Selected biochemical blood compounds in cows with abomasum displacement

The aim of this study was to compare some blood biochemical indicators in cows with displacement of abomasum (DA) which recovered or died after treatment. Examinations were performed on 60 multiparous cows with left (L) or right (R) displacement and on 15 healthy herdmates. Diagnosis was made by experienced practitioners on the basis of clinical examination. Surgical treatment was undertaken during the first 24 hours after diagnosis. Almost all animals (55 = 91.5%) became sick in the post parturient period (21 days p.p. on average) with the exception of 5 (8.3%) that became sick later. Blood samples were taken from each cow immediately before surgical procedure. Serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Chol), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (Bil) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Sick animals were characterized by low mean values of Chol (< or = 2 mmol/l) and normal level of BUN (12-15 mg/dl), higher levels of NEFA (> 600 micromol/l) and Bil (> 22 micromol/l), higher activity of AST (> 100 U/l). Seven cows (11.67%) died after surgical correction and all others recovered. No significant differences in NEFA, Chol, AST, Bil and BUN levels were observed as dependent on the efficacy of treatment (survival, deaths). It was found that cows which died after surgical treatment were characterized by significant higher levels of glucose (5.05 mmol/l) compared to surviving cows (2.93 mmol/l).