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Integrating Diagnostic Tools for Early Recognition of Rumenitis in a Neonatal Calf
Tolulope Grace Ogundipe1, Gianfranco Militerno1, Riccardo Rinnovati1
1Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Rumenitis, an inflammatory rumen condition, is rare in calves and difficult to diagnose early. This case highlights integrated diagnostics for effective identification and management in young cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Ruminant Health
- Pathology
Background:
- Rumenitis is an inflammatory rumen condition typically seen in adult cattle on high-energy diets.
- In calves, it is uncommon and often linked to ruminal drinking due to esophageal groove dysfunction.
- Early diagnosis in calves is challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the diagnostic value of integrating clinical examination, blood gas analysis, endoscopy, histopathology, and microbiology in diagnosing rumenitis in young calves.
- To emphasize the importance of considering rumenitis in calves presenting with persistent regurgitation and neurological signs.
- To highlight the role of management and feeding practices in disease onset.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination, laboratory evaluation (blood gas analysis, serum urea), and endoscopy were performed on a one-month-old Limousin calf.
- Necropsy, histopathological analysis, and microbiological (bacterial and fungal) cultures of rumen and reticulum samples were conducted.
- Diagnostic integration included clinical signs, laboratory data, endoscopic findings, histopathology, and microbiology.
Main Results:
- The calf presented with persistent fluid regurgitation, inappetence, neurological signs, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and elevated serum urea.
- Endoscopy revealed diffuse mucosal hyperemia, erosions, and fluid accumulation in the rumen.
- Histopathology confirmed acute suppurative rumenitis, with bacterial cultures yielding *Escherichia coli* and *Proteus mirabilis*, and fungal cultures isolating *Penicillium* spp., Mucoraceae, *Geotrichium* spp., and *Aspergillus fumigatus*.
Conclusions:
- Integrated diagnostics are valuable for diagnosing rumenitis in young calves.
- Rumenitis should be considered in calves with persistent regurgitation and neurological signs.
- Early, minimally invasive diagnostics like endoscopy can improve diagnostic accuracy and inform timely clinical decisions.
