Dietary Abomasal Impaction In Weaned Egyptian Calves

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Abstract

Abomasal disorders can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening conditions for the affected calves. In this study, the dietary abomasal impaction was investigated in 12 weaned buffalo and cow calves aged 6-12 months admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt, five apparently healthy cow calves were also included as controls. The diagnosis was based upon case history, general clinical examination with special reference to the gastrointestinal system, and the abomasal measurements including length, width, and depth that taken for all cases under ultrasonographic guidance. Non-significant differences were found for the measured physical parameters in the clinical cases versus controls. Right ventral abdominal distension was reported in all cases, evacuation of dark greenish ruminal fluid using the stomach tube was reported also and to a lesser extent the oral feed regurgitation. Significant differences were found in all the abomasal dimensions in cases when compared to control (P<0.0001). Also, the ultrasonographic examination revealed the extension of the abomasum beyond its limits. The abdominal ultrasound as a quick, feasible and non-invasive tool showed relative accuracy in the diagnosis of abomasal impaction in weaned calves.

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