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Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in a dairy cow
C S Cable1, W C Rebhun, L A Fortier
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 23, 1997
Summary
A rare case of bovine cholelithiasis (gallstones) caused colic and liver issues in a Holstein cow. Surgical removal of gallstones led to a full recovery, highlighting a potential cause of abdominal pain in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Cholelithiasis, or gallstones, is uncommon in cattle.
- Clinical signs can include colic, decreased milk production, and signs of hepatic damage and cholestasis.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old Holstein cow presented with a 2-day history of colic and reduced milk yield.
- Preoperative diagnostics indicated hepatic damage and cholestasis.
- Exploratory laparotomy revealed choleliths obstructing the bile duct.
Findings:
- Cytologic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples identified Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens.
- Surgical intervention involved digital pressure to reduce choleliths for passage into the duodenum.
- The cow experienced an uncomplicated recovery, with serum biochemical values returning to normal ranges post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that cholelithiasis, though rare, is a treatable cause of significant abdominal pain and hepatic dysfunction in cattle.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management of bovine cholelithiasis can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Further research into the predisposing factors and prevention of cholelithiasis in cattle may be warranted.