Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:32
Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
Published on: July 27, 2017
Abomasal impaction associated with anorexia and mortality in lambs
B C Njau1, O B Kasali, R G Scholtens
1International Livestock Centre for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Veterinary Research Communications
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Neonatal lamb anorexia, affecting 6.1% of lambs, was studied. Ingested foreign material, including milk clots and bezoars, was a significant cause of mortality in affected lambs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Anorexia is a common and serious condition in neonatal lambs.
- Investigating the causes of anorexia is crucial for improving lamb survival rates.
- Understanding the specific etiological factors can guide preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and causes of anorexia in neonatal lambs.
- To determine the mortality rate associated with anorexia in this population.
- To identify specific materials contributing to anorexia and subsequent death.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted on 753 neonatal lambs.
- Forty-six lambs diagnosed with anorexia were identified for detailed analysis.
- Post-mortem examinations were performed on deceased lambs to identify ingesta.
Main Results:
- Anorexia was observed in 6.1% (46/753) of neonatal lambs.
- Mortality rate for anorexic lambs was high, with 76.1% (35/46) dying.
- Common findings in dead lambs included coagulated milk clots (42.9%), phytobezoars (25.7%), and trichobezoars/straws (31.4%).
Conclusions:
- Ingestion of foreign material, such as milk clots and bezoars, is a significant cause of anorexia and mortality in neonatal lambs.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential, but the high mortality rate highlights the severity of the condition.
- Further research into preventative measures and early detection of these ingesta-related issues is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...