Experimental Intestinal Obstruction in Calves

Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

Alpacas (7) and 1 llama.

METHODS

Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy.

RESULTS

Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.

Surgical abdomen of the calf

Although underrepresented compared with infectious diseases, calves' surgical abdomen diseases and abdominal surgery are a part of daily veterinary practice. Clinical presentations may differ from adult cattle and change rapidly. The decision whether to perform abdominal surgery or refer the animal has to take into consideration the condition and its prognosis for the calf. This article discusses clinical presentation of calves and focuses on specific situations with a detailed description of the surgical techniques, atresia coli, and umbilical remnants infection.

Surgery of the neonatal bovine digestive tract

Many disorders of the calf's gastrointestinal tract require surgical intervention if a successful outcome is to be obtained. The most common abnormalities in this category are abomasal volvulus, abomasal ulcers, small intestinal accidents, and atresia of the spiral colon. These can be differentiated by the age of the animal at presentation and a careful physical examination. Special considerations in neonatal gastrointestinal surgery include: ensuring adequate serum immunoglobulin status, rapid treatment of dehydration and hypoglycemia, and consideration of the inheritability of any corrected defects. Prompt attention to metabolic disturbances and correction of the abnormalities are essential for a successful outcome.

Renal regulation of electrolyte and acid-base balance in ruminants

The kidney maintains volume, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis. These functions are examined in the ruminant in response to differing dietary intakes and disease states. The consequences of renal disease for these homeostatic processes and the interpretation of urinary excretion data are reviewed.

Intravenous fluid therapy in calves

Intravenous fluid therapy is valuable as primary or ancillary therapy for many conditions in calves. The first step in developing an intravenous fluid plan is determination of the volume needed to replace the fluid deficit, estimated on the basis of clinical signs. The parenteral solution to be used is chosen to be similar in electrolyte composition to the fluid lost. Abnormalities of specific electrolytes, acid-base balance, and energy metabolism can be addressed during volume replacement; this requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of the primary clinical abnormality. The fluid delivery system is composed of an administration set and an intravenous catheter. The administration set allows sterile delivery and regulation of the rate of administration. An intravenous catheter is selected, inserted, and maintained to minimize the potential for catheter-related complications.

Comparison of naturally occurring proximal duodenal obstruction and abomasal volvulus in dairy cattle

Physical and clinicopathologic findings from six cows with proximal duodenal obstruction (PDO) and 58 cows with abomasal volvulus (AV) were compared retrospectively. Many of the physical signs were similar in cows with PDO and cows with AV, but the two conditions differed in the type of abdominal distention, and in the findings from rectal examination and abdominal auscultation. Cows with PDO had significantly lower mean values for serum sodium (Na+) and chloride ion (Cl-), and higher mean values for plasma bicarbonate [HCO3-], base excess, carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2), serum phosphate, urea nitrogen, and total protein than AV affected cattle. Cows with PDO showed hyperglycemia (range, 263-990 mg/dl; mean, 618 mg/dl) of unexplained etiology that was significantly higher than blood-glucose concentrations in AV cows (mean, 178 mg/dl). Although all AV cows with anion gap values greater than 32 mEq/l died;PDO cows with equally elevated anion gap survived. The anion gap elevations in PDO and AV cows resulted from accumulation of different anions. Although the site of obstruction of aborad flow of ingesta is similar in both disease conditions, the differences in physical and clinicopathologic findings appear to reflect differences in the degree of reticulo-omasal orifice obstruction and the degree of abomasal vascular compromise.