Abomasal impaction in Holstein-Friesian cows: 80 cases (1980-2003)

Abomasal impaction in buffaloes: Risk factors, clinical indicators, necropsy findings, and histology studies

The present study aims to identify potential risk factors and most possible clinical indicators of abomasal impaction in buffaloes. Among the screened buffaloes (n = 636), the logistic model was fitted for 491 buffaloes because of the non-availability of parity-related data for 145 buffaloes. Third-trimester pregnancy, feeding paddy straw alone, and concurrent disorders were identified as the potential risk factors using multivariate regression analysis. The buffaloes reared by farmers devoid of land tended to have a higher incidence of abomasal impaction. Depressed demeanour, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, scleral congestion, sunken eyeballs, anorexia, reduced dung output, abacus beads-like faeces, colic signs (straining to defecate, frequent lying down, and kicking at abdomen), tachypnea, and tachycardia were the most repeatedly noticed clinical signs in buffaloes diagnosed with abomasal impaction. Further, the principal component analysis revealed increased rumen fluid sedimentation time and chloride content, serum creatine phosphokinase, and blood neutrophil and eosinophil content along with decreased blood lymphocytes proportion, potassium, and chloride as the greatest indicators for abomasal impaction. Next to them, a higher rumen fluid methylene blue reduction time, serum urea nitrogen, and blood total leucocyte count, along with a lower serum albumin and blood haemoglobin were the best possible indicators for diagnosis. The necropsy findings of the buffaloes that died with abomasal disorders revealed an abomasum with increased dimensions and constant pitting on pressure. Furthermore, the histopathological studies showed degeneration and necrosis of the abomasal wall with infiltrated mononuclear cells. The results of the study help in designing a comprehensive evaluation mechanism for diagnosing abomasal impaction in buffaloes.

Clinical, haemato-biochemical, and ultrasonographic findings of abomasal impaction and abomasal ulcers in buffaloes

The current study evaluated the clinical, ruminal, haemato-biochemical, and ultrasonographic findings of abomasal disorders' affected buffaloes grouped as abomasal impaction (n = 18) and abomasal ulcers (n = 15). The abomasal disorders' screening was based on clinical examination and confirmed by ultrasonography. The most common clinical findings of the buffaloes affected with abomasal disorders include depressed demeanour (96.97%), absence of rumination (87.88%), abdominal guarding (87.88%), sunken eye balls (81.82%), tachycardia (78.79%), tachypnea (72.73%), and kyphosis (63.64%). The average rumen motility, respiratory rate, and pulse rate for abomasal impaction and abomasal ulcers were 0.28, 33.37, and 83.44, and 0.33, 35.87, and 92.60, respectively. The faecal occult blood test (benzidine test) revealed the presence of melena in all the buffaloes diagnosed with abomasal ulcers (100%). The ultrasonographic examination of the abomasal impaction group revealed increased abomasal size with no movement of the abomasal contents. The ultrasonographic imaging of abomasal ulcer-affected buffaloes showed irregularity in the abomasal wall-outline with moderately echogenic abomasal contents and a layer of fibrin at the affected area. Nine buffaloes had ultrasonographic evidence of peritonitis. The abomasal contents of buffaloes with positive benzidine test (n = 15) were screened for Clostridium perfringens by a polymerase chain reaction and were found positive for cpa toxin yielding 900-bp length. The rumen protozoal count was higher in healthy buffaloes, while the sedimentation test, (time) methylene blue reduction test, (time) and chloride levels were higher (P < 0.01) in the buffaloes affected with abomasal disorders. Haematological findings revealed a higher haematocrit, total leucocyte count, neutrophils, and eosinophil proportion and lower haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, and lymphocyte proportion without affecting the fractions of monocytes and basophils. Furthermore, the buffaloes affected with abomasal disorders showed lower albumin, phosphorus, and potassium and higher aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine kinase, creatinine, and chloride concentrations. The present study projects clinical signs, ruminal parameters, and haemato-biochemical parameters as better indicators of abomasal disorders; however, ultrasonography is the sole diagnostic aid for the confirmation of abomasal disorders in buffaloes.

Case Report: Abomasum Impaction in Beef Cattle Due to High Intake of Distillers' Grain and Treatment Options in Southwest China

In Southern China, distillers' grain is the main feed ingredient for small beef cattle farms. High intake of distillers' grain may lead to abomasum impaction, a disorder caused by the accumulation of solid content within the organ. For treatment, there are non-surgical and surgical options. In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of beef cattle with abomasum impaction due to high intake of distillers' grain. Forty-nine Simmental beef cattle from 13 farms in Chongqing, China, were diagnosed with abomasum impaction. Animals were male, aged ≤2 years, and weighed between 200 and 350 kg. In this retrospective study, information on distillers' grain intake and clinical data were collected for 49 beef cattle diagnosed with abomasum impaction. The animals were treated between 2011 and 2019 with either non-surgical therapy or surgery. Animals diagnosed with mild abomasum impaction (n = 14) fully recovered after non-surgical treatment. Among moderate cases (n = 19), 12 cattle recovered after non-surgical treatment (63%), while the remaining seven did not respond well and underwent surgery. Three of those animals were subsequently cured (3/7). Among the severe cases (n = 16), four cattle were cured after non-surgical treatment (25%) (4/16). Of the remaining 12 cattle, six were slaughtered, and six died after surgery. Non-surgical treatment is efficient for mild abomasum impaction caused by a high intake of distillers' grain and may be considered for both moderate and severe cases. However, the treatment success rate for more severe cases decreases as the disease severity worsens.

Comparative study on 3 oral potassium formulations for treatment of hypokalemia in dairy cows

BACKGROUND

Hypokalemia is of clinical relevance in cattle. Different mostly empirical treatment options are suggested.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate if oral administration of potassium influences the plasma concentration, the intracellular concentration in erythrocytes and in muscle, renal excretion of potassium, and to assess if there are differences in the efficacy of the potassium formulations.

ANIMALS

Thirty cows with hypokalemia (plasma concentration <3.5 mmol/L) were systematically allocated to 3 treatment groups (10 cows/group).

METHODS

The cows received 52 g of potassium in different formulations: group B-potassium chloride bolus (release over 12 hours); group G-potassium propionate gel (release over 2 hours); and group S-potassium chloride solution (immediately available). Potassium concentrations were repeatedly measured in plasma, erythrocytes, muscle, and urine using ICP-OES.

RESULTS

Plasma potassium concentrations for all preparations increased within 30 minutes and the increase lasted for 12 hours. The concentrations of potassium in the erythrocytes and in the muscle, renal potassium excretion, and total urine volume were not affected by administration of any product. There were no differences between the treatments groups. The feed intake increased in 50% of cows within 2 hours after potassium application, which may contribute to the increase of plasma potassium concentration.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

All the studied potassium formulations are equally effective to treat hypokalemia in dairy cows for over 12 hours but do not influence intracellular concentration or renal excretion of potassium. The plasma potassium concentration should be reevaluated after 12 hours.

Significance of clinical observations and biochemical alterations in buffalo calves with dietary abomasal impaction

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to throw light on the clinical characteristics of abomasal impaction in buffalo calves and its associated biochemical alterations. For this reason, a total of 20 male buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) with abomasal impaction were studied. The investigated calves were at 6 to 12 months of age and were belonged to three private farms in Dakahlia Governorate besides sporadic cases admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. Ten apparently healthy buffalo calves were also included as controls. According to the clinical outcome, the diseased calves were categorized into survivors (n = 11) and non-survivors (n = 9). Blood samples were collected from all animals to estimate blood gases besides a panel of selected biochemical parameters. The definitive diagnosis of dietary abomasal impaction was achieved by either left flank exploratory laparotomy or by necropsy.

RESULTS

Both survivors and non-survivors demonstrated common clinical findings including distension of ventro-lateral aspect of the right abdomen, and varying degrees of dehydration. The great majority of survivors (81%) and 100% of non-survivors were anorexic and had rumen stasis as well as hard texture upon ballottement of the left flank. Approximately 45% of non-survivors had frothy salivation, expiratory grunting and were being tender when strong percussion was applied on the right flank. Diseased calves had metabolic alkalosis, while plasma potassium and chloride were significantly lower in non-survivors than those of survivors (P < 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and uric acid were significantly higher in diseased buffalo than controls and in non-survivors than survivors (P < 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin levels were also higher in non-survivors than those of survivors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Buffalo calves with dietary abomasal impaction were associated with marked clinical and biochemical alterations that could be helpful for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Surgical Management of Abomasal and Small Intestinal Disease

A bovine practitioner should master abdominal exploratory surgery (laparotomy). Several gastrointestinal (GI) problems require surgical correction to save the animal's life and to keep it in production. This article reviews the surgical preparation, procedures, and the postoperative care of several conditions affecting the GI tract of cattle.

Efficacy of oral potassium chloride administration in treating lactating dairy cows with experimentally induced hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and alkalemia

Hypokalemia occurs commonly in lactating dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether a 24-h oral KCl dose of 0.4 g/kg of body weight (BW) was effective and safe in hypokalemic cattle; (2) whether potassium was best administered as 2 large doses or multiple smaller doses over a 24-h period; and (3) the effect of oral KCl administration on plasma Mg concentration and urine Mg excretion in fasted lactating dairy cattle. Plasma K and Cl concentrations were decreased, and blood pH increased, in 15 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows by administering 2 intramuscular (i.m.) 10-mg injections of isoflupredone acetate 24h apart followed by 2 i.m. injections of furosemide (1mg/kg of BW) 8h apart and by decreasing feed intake. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups with 5 cows/group: untreated control (group C); oral administration of KCl at 0.05 g/kg of BW 8 times at 3-h intervals (group K3); and oral administration of KCl at 0.2g/kg of BW twice at 12-h intervals (group K12). A 24-h KCl dose rate of 0.4 g/kg of BW increased plasma and milk K concentration and plasma Cl concentration, and corrected the metabolic alkalosis and alkalemia, with no clinically significant difference between 2 large doses (group K12) or multiple small doses (group K3) of KCl over 24 h. Oral KCl administration decreased peripheral fat mobilization in cattle with experimentally induced hypokalemia, as measured by changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration, and slightly augmented the fasting-induced decrease in plasma Mg concentration. Our findings support recommendations for a 24-h oral KCl dose of 0.4 g/kg of BW for treating moderately hypokalemic cattle. Additional Mg may need to be administered to inappetant lactating dairy cattle being treated with oral KCl to minimize K-induced decreases in magnesium absorption.

Abomasal impaction in captive bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus)

Fatal abomasal impaction, often combined with omasal impaction, was diagnosed in 11 bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) from five different zoologic collections in the United States between 1981 and 2009. Nine of 11 cases occurred in young females (10 mo-7 yr old) and typical clinical signs prior to diagnosis or death included partial or complete anorexia, dehydration, and scant fecal production. Although the clinical histories in several of the earlier cases are incomplete, clinical signs were known to begin shortly after an anesthetic event in five of 11 bongo (45%). Pedigree analysis indicates that affected bongo were descendants of multiple founders and not from a single family line, suggesting that the development of abomasal impaction is not a strictly inheritable trait. Treatment, when attempted, was variable and included abomasotomy and removal of impacted ingesta, drug therapy (prokinetic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials), fluid therapy, and administration of oral lubricants or intralesional stool softeners. Based on the outcomes in the cases presented here, the prognosis for bongo with abomasal impaction is considered poor to grave.