Surgery of the bovine large intestine

Cecal dilatation and volvulus are common entities in dairy cattle, whereas cecal torsion is not often encountered. These diseases have been related to excessive volatile fatty acid production. Obstruction of the remainder of the large colon may be simple or strangulating in nature. These obstructions are relatively rare. Clinical signs, surgical management, and surgical complications of diseases of the cecum and large intestine are discussed.