Ileus Caused by Compression of the Small Intestine in 35 Cows

Ileus attributable to compression of the small intestine describes extensive constriction of the intestine by nearby space-occupying lesions or other abdominal organs. This retrospective study describes the findings in 35 cows with ileus caused by CSI (compression of the small intestine) by adhesions, abscesses, and the gravid uterus. Colic occurred in 34.3% of the cows. Rumen motility was reduced or absent in all cows, and intestinal motility was decreased in 85.7%. Ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation were positive on the right side in 73.5% of the cows. The rectum contained little or no faeces in all cows, and transrectal examination revealed dilated small intestine in 25.7% of the cows, but the actual site of compression could not be palpated. The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced or absent intestinal motility and dilated loops of small intestine. Thirty-one of the thirty-five cows underwent right flank laparotomy; fourteen of these were euthanised intraoperatively, and seventeen recovered and were subsequently discharged. CSI is a rare cause of ileus. Improvements in the diagnosis of CSI are needed to prevent unnecessary laparotomy in cows with a grave prognosis.