Surgical abdomen of the calf

Evaluation of Blood Lactate, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Shock Index, and Their Association with Prognosis in Calves

Diseases in young calves received as emergencies are often associated with hypovolemic and/or septic shocks. The objectives of our study were to (1) assess the correlation between clinical hemodynamic parameters and blood L-lactates (LAC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the shock index (SI) recorded upon arrival; and (2) to evaluate how these parameters were related to short-term outcomes in calves under 4 months of age presented as emergencies. We conducted a single-observer prospective observational study on calves aged from 1 day to 4 months, presented to the Veterinary Clinic for Ruminants of Liège from December 2020 to May 2022. Forty-five calves were included in the study. The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between LAC and heart rate (r = 0.570; p < 0.05) and LAC and SI (r = 0.373; p < 0.05). A high LAC value at admission was significantly associated with a negative outcome (death) (p < 0.05). In calves suffering from obstructive digestive diseases, the SI was related to the outcome and the analysis indicated a cut-off value of 1.13 (Se = 0.77, Spe = 1). In conclusion, in our study, the initial blood L-lactate value was correlated with heart rate, the shock index, and the clinical shock score, and admission hyperlactatemia was associated with a poor prognosis in calves under 4 months of age. In this cohort, the shock index in calves suffering from digestive diseases was linked with mortality.

Failure of Passive Immunity Transfer Is Not a Risk Factor for Omphalitis in Beef Calves

Omphalitis is the third most frequent disease in newborn calves after neonatal diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), but limited data on the prevalence and risk factors are available in the literature. Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) is recognized as a major risk factor for diseases and mortality in calves. However, the association between omphalitis and FPIT remains poorly described. To assess this association, 964 suckler beef calves from 22 farms were included in a longitudinal cohort study for 5 months. Each calf was examined twice (mean ages: 4.4 and 11.1 days old) to diagnose omphalitis through clinical examination and ultrasonographic evaluation (USE) if necessary. Measurements of the total solids percentage (TS-%Brix) and total protein (TP) were performed on the serum during the first visit to evaluate the calves' passive immunity status. FPIT (fair and poor) was defined as serum %Brix < 8.1 or TP < 5.1 g/dL; among calves with omphalitis, 14% had FPIT and among calves without omphalitis 12% had FPIT. The omphalitis prevalence was 32.3% in calves without any other disease (overall prevalence of 30.9%). No statistical association between the prevalence of omphalitis and FPIT was observed. Further research is needed to identify the risk factors and promote the prevention measures for omphalitis in cow-calf systems, such as calving difficulty, hygiene of housing, and navel disinfection.

Tramadol Administered Intravenously Either as a Bolus or a Slow Injection in Pain Management of Romifidine-Sedated Calves Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Hernia formation after single-stage umbilical vein marsupialization in three Percheron foals diagnosed with septic omphalophlebitis

Septic omphalophlebitis is a common disease process with a variety of morbidities and possible mortality. Affected umbilical remnant resection is highly successful but may not always be possible. Umbilical marsupialization can be implemented when total resection cannot be accomplished with minimally reported complications. Umbilical vein marsupialization was performed on three Percheron foals with extensive septic omphalophlebitis using the one-stage paramedian translocation technique and prolonged postoperative antimicrobial therapy. Long-term follow-up revealed herniation at the marsupialization site in all foals. Two foals were subsequently treated with herniorrhaphy at the prior marsupialization site. One foal died due to septic peritonitis with hernia formation 3 months after marsupialization. This case series highlights hernia formation as a potential complication following one-stage umbilical vein marsupialization in foals diagnosed with septic omphalophlebitis and should be considered as a possible postoperative complication.

Ultrasonographical Assessment of Caudal Vena Cava Size through Different Views in Healthy Calves: A Pilot Study

Ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal vena cava (CVC) and aorta (Ao) are known as reliable tools to assess intravascular volume status in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining ultrasonographical measurements of CVC and Ao in two different views, assess intra- and interobserver variability, and study the effect of sex, age, body weight, and breed on measurements in healthy calves. The diameter and area of CVC and Ao were measured by a single investigator in two anatomic sites (subxiphoid and paralumbar window) in 48 calves aged less than 60 days and then repeated 2.5 months after the first assessment. For intra- and interobserver variability assessment, CVC and Ao measurements were repeated by three observers on five randomly selected calves. CVC and Ao measurements were easily obtained in PV and more difficult to obtain in SV. CVC and Ao area in PV showed high repeatability and reproducibility. A positive correlation was highlighted between age and CVC and Ao measurements in both sites. In conclusion, CVC size assessment by point of care ultrasound can be easily performed at a paralumbar site in calves under 4 months of age and could be used to assess intravascular volume status.

Left displacement of the third gastric compartment in an alpaca: the first case report in China

Background

Left displacement of the third gastric compartment (LDC3) in alpacas is an extremely rare condition and has not been reported thus far. Therefore, we describe the clinical diagnosis and treatment of LDC3 in an alpaca.

Case presentation

A 2-year-old brown female alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was presented to evaluate a 3-day history of abdominal distension causing loss of both appetite and thirst, along with oliguria and low to no defecation. Clinical examination, X-ray examination, surgical exploration, and determination of gastric pH (pH ~ 2.35) confirmed that LDC3 resulted in abdominal distension. The gastric wall of the displaced third gastric compartment was incised for the expulsion of pneumatosis, and a medical-grade silicone tube was inserted into the incision to remove the effusion by siphoning. Surgical treatment proved to effectively alleviate the abdominal distension caused by LDC3 without apparent side effects.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this case is the first known report of LDC3 in an alpaca in China. A similar condition, left displaced abomasum, has previously been described in cattle and sheep.

Description of an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block injection technique and the spread of dye in calf cadavers

OBJECTIVES

To describe an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath (RS) block technique in calves with injections of methylene blue and assess the extent of injectate spread and nerve staining in calf cadavers.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, experimental, blinded cadaveric study.

ANIMALS

A total of 16 calf cadavers weighing 30.7 ± 7.1 kg.

METHODS

Using an ultrasound-guided, in-plane technique, each cadaver was injected with both a low (LV; 0.25 mL kg-1) and high (HV; 0.5 mL kg-1) volume of methylene blue dye. Volumes were randomly assigned to the left or right hemiabdomen. Ultrasound imaging was scored based on landmarks and needle visualization, and duration to perform injections were assessed. Dissections were performed immediately after injections. Staining of ventral branches of spinal nerves and the extent of dye spread were recorded by an anatomist unaware of treatment allocation.

RESULTS

The number of nerves stained in treatments LV and HV were 2.3 ± 1.7 and 4.4 ± 1.3, respectively (p = 0.0001). Branches of thoracic nerves T7-13 and lumbar nerves L1-2 were completely stained 6.3%, 6.3%, 31.3%, 62.5%, 56.3%, 37.5%, 31.3%, 6.3% and 0%, respectively, in treatment LV and 0%, 12.5%, 50%, 93.8%, 100%, 93.8%, 62.5%, 25% and 6.3%, respectively, in treatment HV. Ultrasound imaging was scored excellent in most cadavers and needle visualization deemed excellent in all injections. The mean duration to perform RS injections in both treatments was 2 (range, 1-6) minutes.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nerve staining results from treatment HV suggest that this RS injection technique could be clinically useful in ventral midline surgical procedures, including umbilical procedures, in calves. This study supports future clinical trials in calves.

Risk factors related to the appearance of umbilical disorders in dairy calves

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the types of calve housing used in dairy farms, the prevalence of umbilical disorders and related risk factors. The 16 farms studied were visited to characterize the types of installation and possible risk factors, as well as information obtained from a questionnaire applied to the farmers. 806 Holstein calves were physically examined, in addition to collecting blood samples for the evaluation of Failures in Passive Immunity Transfer (FPIT), in animals that manifested inflammatory omphalopathies, and were also submitted to ultrasound examination. The prevalence of omphalopathies was assessed by Fisher's test, and multivariate logistic regression to assess risk factors. Eight types of installation were found: tropical house, suspended cage, collective stall, collective picket, Argentinean type, single-story cage, individual stall, and collective picket with chain. Omphalopathies accounted for 6.45% of the calves. Small size farms (up to 99 lactation cows) had high risk for umbilical disorders, ground floor collective calves, without side protection, with sand floor, in closed sheds and without heatstroke were considered risk factors for omphalopathies. Adequate colostrum and umbilical antisepsis are not associated with disease, its appearance being related to the housing conditions of the animals.

Additive prognostic value of preoperative plasma glucose concentrations in calves undergoing abdominal surgery

Surgical abdominal emergencies in calves are associated with a guarded prognosis, especially if neonates are affected. Because hypoglycemia has been associated with sepsis and endotoxemia, this study aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of preoperative plasma glucose concentrations (GLUC) in calves requiring surgery for an acute abdominal disorder. For this purpose, data from retrospective and prospective case series were analyzed, consisting of 586 and 83 hospitalized calves, respectively. The outcomes of calves were evaluated until hospital discharge (both study populations) and for 3 mo following discharge by a phone call to the farmer (prospective study population). For the retrospective study population, the overall survival rate was 31.2%. Calves with a negative outcome (NO) had significantly lower median GLUC (4.3 mmol/L) than calves with a positive outcome (PO; 5.0 mmol/L). The survival rates of calves with GLUC <2.4 mmol/L and 2.4 to 3.1 mmol/L were 3.6 and 8.3%, respectively. The inclusion of GLUC improved a previous prognostic model based on plasma l-lactate concentration and age. The resulting analyses indicated that NO was associated with low age (<7 d), hyper-l-lactatemia (>8.84 mmol/L), and GLUC <4.4 mmol/L (age 7-20 d) and <3.3 mmol/L (age ≥21 d), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this model was 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.83) and the resulting sensitivity and specificity for NO at the optimal probability cut-point of 0.69 were 66.7 and 85.8%, respectively. For the prospective study population, the established model had sensitivity and specificity for predicting NO after 3 mo (proportion 24%) of 61.9 and 85%, respectively. In both study populations, hypoglycemia was significantly associated with intraoperative evidence of a septic process within the abdominal cavity. The present analyses show that hypoglycemia was highly indicative of a poor prognosis and serious intraoperative findings such as peritonitis. Determination of GLUC should therefore be part of the diagnostic work-up in calves suffering from an acute abdominal emergency.

Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using laparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study)

Surgical intervention for umbilical diseases in calves, when indicated, is a complementary and indispensable therapeutic resource for the treatment of umbilical conditions and is commonly performed using celiotomy. However, laparoscopy has demonstrated feasibility in many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the techniques and the surgical time of laparoscopy and celiotomy used in intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses (cadavers). Resection of the umbilical vein and urachus using laparoscopy and celiotomy was performed in 26 anatomical specimens (bovine fetuses obtained from an official slaughterhouse). Resection of umbilical structures was feasible with both techniques, but shorter surgical time and minimal tissue damage were achieved using laparoscopy. Laparoscopy requires specialized training and appropriate instruments and is an important tool for diagnostic and therapeutic exploration of the umbilical structures, liver, bladder, and associated/adjacent structures.

Efficacy and cardiorespiratory effects of lumbosacral intrathecal 2% procaine and 2% xylazine with or without sedation in calves undergoing umbilical surgery

Aims: To compare the effects of intrathecal anaesthesia using procaine and xylazine, with and without sedation with I/V xylazine and butorphanol, on sedation and cardiorespiratory measures in calves undergoing umbilical surgery. Methods: Male dairy calves, aged <3 months, were recruited that had enlargement of the umbilical stalk which was abnormal when palpated. They were assigned to receive either intrathecal injection between the sixth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae of 4 mg/kg of 2% procaine and 0.2 mg/kg 2% xylazine, with I/V injection of 0.02 mg/kg xylazine and 0.1 mg/kg of butorphanol (IT + SED group; n = 6), or the same intrathecal injection and I/V injection of 0.9% saline (IT group; n = 7). Surgery to correct abnormalities was carried out with calves positioned in dorsal recumbency. Rescue analgesia with injections of 2% procaine around the surgical wound was administered when movements triggered by surgery were observed. Post-operative analgesia was provided using I/V 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam. Duration of surgery was recorded, as well as degree of sedation, heart rate, systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP) and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressure during surgery. Results: All anaesthetic and surgical procedures were successfully performed. Mean total duration of surgery was similar for the IT + SED and the IT groups (30.33 (SD 10.09) and 31.00 (SD 10.21) minutes, respectively) (p = 0.92). All calves were at least mildly sedated from 5 minutes after injections to the end of the surgery. One calf in the IT + SED group and three calves in the IT group required rescue analgesia when the umbilicus was manipulated. Between 0 and 10-15 minutes after injection, decreases in mean heart rate, SAP, MAP and DAP were observed in both groups. Mean SAP was lower in the IT + SED than the IT group. Hypotension (MAP<60 mm Hg) was present in four calves from the IT + SED group and in one from the IT group. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Intrathecal administration of 2% procaine and 2% xylazine allowed the successful completion of umbilical surgery, but 30% of calves needed rescue analgesia during surgery. Clinically, the addition of I/V sedation seemed to provide better analgesia than intrathecal block alone but resulted in greater hypotension.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of umbilical structures in Holstein calves: A comparison between healthy calves and calves affected by umbilical disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate, during the first 4 wk of life, the involution of umbilical structures in clinically healthy calves and in calves affected by umbilical disorders, in both B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography. The present study was carried out on 63 Holstein Friesian calves, divided into 3 different groups: group H (clinically healthy, n = 17), group A, (affected by omphaloarteritis, n = 24), and group V (affected by omphalophlebitis, n = 22). B-mode ultrasonography was performed at weekly intervals, using a portable device (LOGIQ Book XP, GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, UK) and a linear multifrequency 7 to 10 MHz probe. In addition to the ultrasound examinations, the umbilicus of the calves was also evaluated using a color Doppler. The extra-abdominal as well as the intra-abdominal hemodynamics within the umbilical structures were evaluated using 3 different ranges of speed-flow detections (23, 14, and 7 cm/s). In healthy calves, as the age increased, the umbilical structures decreased in size and their ultrasonographic identification became more difficult. Conversely, in affected calves the umbilical structures did not show the same progressive reduction of external diameters and areas, but had an irregular trend of regression. Also the color Doppler ultrasonography showed a significant difference in frequency and percentage of speed-flow in the early days of examination between the 3 groups, with the most reliable results detected from the umbilical arteries. In our experimental study, omphaloarteritis could be detected at the d 1 color Doppler exam, with a 100% specificity and a 100% positive predictive value.

Prognostic relevance of pre- and postoperative plasma l-lactate measurements in calves with acute abdominal emergencies

In both human and veterinary medicine, l-lactate is a well-established prognostic biomarker of disease severity and mortality and has also attracted increasing attention in bovine medicine due to the availability and validation of cheap and portable l-lactate analyzers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of plasma L-lactate measurements in calves with acute abdominal emergencies before and during the initial therapeutic period after surgical intervention. A prospective observational study was carried out involving 83 hospitalized calves up to an age of 7 mo, which required surgical intervention for reasons of an acute abdominal emergency such as gastrointestinal ileus or peritonitis. Plasma l-lactate (L-LAC) concentrations were determined immediately before initiation of surgery and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h later. The outcome of calves was evaluated 3 mo after discharge by a phone call to the farmer, and a positive outcome was defined if the calf was still alive and the owner was satisfied with the animal's postsurgical progress. A total of 29% of calves were discharged from the hospital and the proportion of calves with a positive outcome after the 3-mo period was 24%. At all sampling times during the first 48 h after initiation of surgical intervention, calves with a negative outcome had significantly higher L-LAC than calves with a positive outcome. A binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds for a negative outcome during the 3-mo observation period increased by a factor of 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.44] for every mmol/L increase of L-LAC before initiation of surgical intervention, but by a factor of 5.29 (95% CI: 1.69-16.6) and 5.92 (95% CI: 1.29-27.3) at 12 and 24 h, respectively. The largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for L-LAC was observed at 12 h (0.91; 95% CI: 0.83-0.99), and a cut-point of 2.75 mmol/L was identified that had a sensitivity and specificity for predicting a negative outcome of 68 and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, persistent hyper-l-lactatemia during the early postoperative period is a more reliable indicator for a negative outcome in calves with acute surgical abdominal emergencies than hyper-l-lactatemia before initiation of surgical intervention. Postoperative measurements of L-LAC are therefore a clinically useful tool to identify patients with an increased risk for a negative outcome at an early stage after surgical intervention was carried out.

Prognostic value of preoperative plasma l-lactate concentrations in calves with acute abdominal emergencies

Acute abdominal emergencies in calves due to abomasal disorders, gastrointestinal ileus, or peritonitis are characterized by a rapid disease progression and usually require immediate surgical intervention. Those conditions are associated with a guarded prognosis, and the aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic relevance of preoperatively measured plasma l-lactate concentrations (l-LAC) in a large study population of calves with a broad spectrum of acute abdominal emergencies. For the purpose of this study, the medical records of 587 calves admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital over a 10-yr period were analyzed retrospectively. Plasma l-LAC was measured as part of a routinely performed biochemistry panel before initiation of surgical intervention. Hyper-l-lactatemia (plasma l-LAC >2.2 mmol/L) was evident in 75% of calves, and the overall survival rate until hospital discharge was 31%. Calves with a negative outcome were younger (median: 3.4 vs. 6 wk) and had higher plasma l-LAC (median: 4.96 vs. 3.09 mmol/L) than calves with a positive outcome. At the individual diagnosis level, l-LAC was associated with mortality in calves with a diagnosis of mesenteric torsion, right-sided dilated abomasum, small intestinal volvulus, or paralytic ileus, but not in calves suffering from peritonitis, malformations, abomasal volvulus, bloat, or small intestinal intussusceptions. Considering the whole study population, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for plasma l-LAC was 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61-0.70]. A classification tree analysis indicated that l-LAC >8.84 mmol/L and age categories of <3 wk and <1 wk were independent predictors of mortality. The area under the ROC curve of this model was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71-0.79) and the resulting sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of nonsurvival at the optimal probability cut-point of 0.62 were 67.7 and 76.6%, respectively. In conclusion, hyper-l-lactatemia is common in calves suffering from acute abdominal emergencies. Markedly increased plasma l-LAC is associated with an increased mortality risk, but it is not possible to reliably predict the outcome of affected calves based on a single, preoperative measurement. However, a clinically important finding of this study was that the ability to predict a negative outcome is improved when the age of the calf is considered in addition to plasma l-LAC.

Abdominal hernias in camel (Camelus dromedaries): Clinical findings and treatment outcomes

The present study was designed to describe the clinical presentation of abdominal hernias and to evaluate the efficacy of polypropylene mesh in repair of such affection in camels. Twenty-six dromedary camels were included in this study on the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of abdominal hernia. Factors associated with prevalence and clinical findings of hernia were presented and hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh was evaluated as a surgical intervention. Out of 26 studied camels, abdominal hernia was prevalent in Wadeh camels than other breeds (17 vs. 9, P<0.01). Camels <6 years of age exhibited more hernias than other age groups (18 vs. 8, P<0.01). Moreover, females showed a significantly higher prevalence (19 vs. 7, P<0.01) of abdominal hernia compared to males (26.9%, n=7). The sensitivity (96.8%) and specificity (93.1%) of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing hernia were higher in comparison to clinical examination (88.3%). At 3 weeks postoperatively, the clinical index score of 26 operated camels was significantly reduced in comparison with pretreated (22 vs. 4, P<0.005). However, only 2 cases had recurrence of the hernia and 2 camels had slight swelling in situ. By the 6th month post treatment, all treated camels were completely recovered. In conclusion, the polypropylene mesh is a viable and consistent alternative effective treatment for abdominal hernias in camels. In addition, the clinical index scores and US provide a precise paradigm for diagnosis and preoperative planning for abdominal hernias in dromedary camels.

Impact of bacterial translocation in calves with atresia coli

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether enteric bacteria pass into the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peritoneal cavity in calves with atresia coli and to evaluate whether the presence of bacterial translocation (BT) has an impact on the success of surgical treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

ANIMALS

Twenty-six client-owned calves.

INTERVENTIONS

During laparotomy, swab samples were collected from the peritoneal cavity and MLNs using a sterile swab stick and were submitted for microbiological analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Bacterial cultures of swab samples revealed that 65% (n = 17) of the calves experienced BT. Of these, 14 calves experienced BT to the MLNs, 9 to the peritoneal cavity, and 5 to both regions. Of the bacteria isolated from the MLNs, 72% (n = 10) were Escherichia coli. Of the samples isolated from the peritoneal fluid, 33% (n = 3) contained E. coli and 33% (n = 3) contained E. coli + coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). In calves with BT that were discharged (n = 13) and without BT that were discharged (n = 7), the median survival was 30 days; these data were found to be similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that BT is observed in the majority of atresia coli cases. E. coli is more common in BT, and translocation occurs primarily through the lymphatic route. These results suggest that the presence of BT is closely related to the success of the operation for correction of atresia coli.

Laparoscopic Evaluation of Umbilical Disorders in Calves

OBJECTIVE

To describe a laparoscopic technique for evaluating umbilical disorders in calves, including feasibility, visualization of umbilical structures, and related complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

ANIMALS

Male calves (15 Holstein, 2 Montbeliard) with umbilical disorders (n=17).

METHODS

Calves <2 months old with obvious umbilical disease were assessed by clinical examination and ultrasonography of the umbilical structures. Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in dorsal recumbency under subarachnoid lumbosacral anesthesia and sedation. An open insertion technique with short 60 mm cannulas was used after creating 2 portals 10 cm cranial to the umbilicus (one 5 cm left of midline for the laparoscope and one 5 cm right of midline as an instrument portal). After laparoscopy, abnormal tissues were resected by laparotomy during the same anesthetic period.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic evaluation of umbilical structures was performed quickly (mean surgery time 7.1 ± 2.5 minutes). Umbilical structures could be completely visualized in all calves without intraoperative complications. In addition to abnormalities previously detected on ultrasound, laparoscopy enabled detection of adhesions 7 calves that were not suspected on ultrasound, as well as focal enlargements of the umbilical arteries and urachus close to the bladder in 5 calves. Laparoscopy failed to detect abnormalities observed with ultrasound or laparotomy in 4 calves, including small hernias and omphalitis.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic evaluation of umbilical structures was performed safely and quickly in young calves and allowed complete evaluation of intra-abdominal umbilical structures and may, therefore, be a useful adjunct to physical examination and ultrasound to fully assess the abdomen in calves.

Left Displacement of the Abomasum in 4 Beef Calves

Background

Little is known about the occurrence rate, underlying etiology or treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in beef calves.

Objective

Describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in 4 beef calves.

Animals

Four client‐owned beef breed calves with left displaced abomasum (LDA).

Methods

Retrospective case series. Hospital medical records were reviewed to identify all beef breed cattle under the age of 6 months diagnosed with LDA.

Results

Four beef calves were treated for left displacement of the abomasum. All four had a history of decreased appetite and left‐sided abdominal distention. Two had recently been treated for necrotic laryngitis and one was being treated for clostridial abomasitis. Ultrasonography confirmed the abomasum to be displaced between the rumen and the left body wall in all calves. The calves were initially treated by rolling to correct the abomasal displacement. The abomasum redisplaced in 3 of 4 calves within 1 hour to 6 days; 1 calf developed a mesenteric volvulus. A right paramedian abomasopexy was performed in all cases. Three of 4 calves grew well and remained in the herd 6–18 months later; 1 calf was euthanized because of complications associated with necrotic laryngitis.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Left displacement of the abomasum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for beef calves with abdominal distention. Concurrent necrotic laryngitis can increase the risk of abomasal displacement in beef calves. Treatment should include surgical correction as rolling is not curative and might be associated with mesenteric volvulus.

Comparative Evaluation of Midventral and Flank Laparotomy Approaches in Goat

The aim of the study was to compare two laparotomy approaches (flank and midventral). Ten (n = 10) apparently healthy goats of different breeds and sex, average age of 12 ± 2.1 months, and average weight of 13.4 ± 2 kg were used for the investigation. The goats were randomly divided into flank and midventral groups, each group comprising five goats (n = 5). Standard aseptic laparotomy was performed under lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with mild sedation. Postsurgical wound score showed significant difference (P < 0.05) in erythema at 18–24 hours and 10–14 days after surgery between the two approaches; significant difference of dehiscence between the two groups was also recorded at 10–14 days after surgery. Total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes counts were significantly different (P < 0.05) at the first and second week after surgery. There was significant difference of platelets critical value and platelets dimension width at the first and second week after surgery. Significant difference of packed cells volume between the two approaches was also recorded one week after surgery. It was concluded that midventral laparotomy approach can be conveniently and safely performed under aseptic precautions without fear of intra- and postoperative clinical problems.

Strangulating intestinal obstructions in four captive elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta africana)

Three captive-born (5-day-old, 8-day-old, and 4-yr-old) Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and one captive-born 22-yr-old African elephant (Loxodonta africana) from three private elephant facilities and one zoo in the United States presented with depression, anorexia, and tachycardia as well as gastrointestinal signs of disease including abdominal distention, decreased borborygmi, tenesmus, hematochezia, or diarrhea. All elephants showed some evidence of discomfort including agitation, vocalization, or postural changes. One animal had abnormal rectal findings. Nonmotile bowel loops were seen on transabdominal ultrasound in another case. Duration of signs ranged from 6 to 36 hr. All elephants received analgesics and were given oral or rectal fluids. Other treatments included warm-water enemas or walking. One elephant underwent exploratory celiotomy. Three animals died, and the elephant taken to surgery was euthanized prior to anesthetic recovery. At necropsy, all animals had severe, strangulating intestinal lesions.

Surgery of the bovine large intestine

Cecal dilatation in cows and large intestinal atresia in neonatal calves are the most important diseases of the bovine large intestine amenable to surgical correction under field conditions. Clinical symptoms, diagnostic steps, surgical and medical treatment, etiopathogenesis, and prognosis are discussed. Surgery for correction of cecal dilatation, with and without retroflexion or torsion, can be performed under field conditions. In contrast, only anal reconstruction after atresia ani or colostomy in the case of atresia coli are amenable to field surgery; more complicated bypass procedures with anastomosis for atresia coli are best performed in hospital settings. Correcting intestinal atresia is not recommended because of animal welfare and breeding hygiene issues; it should be undertaken for salvage purposes only.

Diagnostic ultrasonography in ruminants

The use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment is becoming widespread within various sectors of veterinary practice. Ultrasonographic examination has several advantages over other imaging modalities and it can be applied in hospital and ambulatory settings. It has the potential for widespread use in the diagnosis of disorders of several body systems in food animal species. This article describes its application to gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, cardiothoracic, urogenital, and umbilical disorders. Normal and abnormal findings are portrayed and discussed. Accurate and timely use of this diagnostic modality requires a modest amount of training and practice, but it allows for relatively rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive acquisition of clinically relevant data.

Obstruction of the small intestine by a trichobezoar in cattle: 15 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE

To determine historical and clinical findings, treatment, and outcome for cattle with small intestinal obstruction caused by a trichobezoar.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

15 cattle.

PROCEDURES

Medical records of cattle with a diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction by a trichobezoar from 1992 to 2002 were reviewed. Information pertaining to various aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome was collected from records.

RESULTS

Trichobezoars were more common in young cattle, and affected cattle did not deteriorate clinically as rapidly as cattle with other types of intestinal obstruction. The most common initial owner complaints included decreased or absent fecal output, inappetance, abdominal distension, and signs of abdominal pain. Common clinical findings were dehydration, decreased or absent rumen motility, signs of depression, splashing sounds during succussion of the abdomen, and a pinging sound on percussion of the abdomen. The jejunum was obstructed in 10 cattle. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and chronic inflammation were common laboratory findings. All 4 cattle that underwent abdominocentesis had peritonitis. The obstructing trichobezoar was removed surgically in 9 cattle, of which 7 survived and 2 died. The 6 cattle treated medically died or were euthanized.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Obstruction of the small intestine by a trichobezoar is uncommon, but it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cattle with signs of intestinal obstruction, particularly if they are younger than 4 years of age and have a history of nonacute signs of intestinal obstruction. Surgical removal appears to be a favorable method of treatment and should be considered when this condition is suspected.