Disorders of Rumen Distension and Dysmotility

Rumen distension and hypomotility are common clinical findings in ruminants. A thorough physical examination to assess the rumen shape and consistency of rumen contents are critical to determining the underlying pathology. Most cases can be classified into 1 of the 4 types of vagal indigestion. Type 1 is characterized by gas distension of the rumen dorsally on the left side. Types 2, 3, and 4 will often appear similar on physical examination with fluid distension of the rumen on the left and ventrally on the right. Serum chloride and bicarbonate measurement and assessment of rumen chloride allow for differentiation of type 2 versus types 3 and 4 vagal indigestion. This is critical, as type 2 vagal indigestion will commonly require a rumenotomy, whereas types 3 and 4 typically are addressed through a right flank exploratory.