Vagus indigestion syndrome resulting from a liver abscess in dairy cows

A liver abscess resulted in vagal indigestion in 8 dairy cattle. There was cessation of transport of digesta through the omasum. Clinical signs were of variable duration and included abdominal distention and bradycardia. Medical therapy had not been effective. Left paralumbar fossa celiotomy and rumenotomy permitted detection of the liver abscess. A second surgery from a ventral approach allowed drainage of the abscess by insertion of a catheter through the abdominal wall.