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Small-intestinal volvulus in cattle: 35 cases (1967-1992)
D E Anderson1, P D Constable, G St Jean
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 15, 1993
Summary
Surgical correction for bovine small-intestinal volvulus offers a survival chance, with dairy cattle showing better outcomes than beef cattle. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving prognosis in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Large Animal Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Small-intestinal volvulus is a life-threatening condition in cattle.
- Clinical signs include abdominal pain, distention, and dehydration.
- Clinicopathologic findings often indicate metabolic disturbances and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medical records of cattle with small-intestinal volvulus.
- To identify clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, and surgical outcomes.
- To determine risk factors and survival rates associated with small-intestinal volvulus in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 35 cattle medical records with small-intestinal volvulus.
- Surgical correction performed on 32 cattle.
- Epidemiologic data collected from veterinary teaching hospitals in North America.
Main Results:
- Common clinical signs: abdominal pain, anorexia, lethargy, distention, dehydration. Common physical findings: tachycardia, tachypnea. Clinicopathologic findings: azotemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis.
- Nonsurvivors had lower preoperative venous blood pH and base excess, and higher serum potassium.
- Survival rates: 44% for entire small intestine volvulus, 86% for distal jejunum/ileum volvulus. Dairy cattle survival (63%) higher than beef cattle (22%).
Conclusions:
- Surgical correction can be successful for bovine small-intestinal volvulus.
- Dairy cattle have a significantly better survival rate than beef cattle.
- Further research into risk factors may improve prevention and treatment strategies.