Clinico-biochemical and surgical evaluation of omaso-abomasal volvulus in cattle

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

2 Clinic for Ruminants and Swine (Internal Medicine and Surgery), Justus-Liebig-University, Germany

3 Department of Animal Medicine Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banha University - Egypt

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the clinical, hematological, biochemical parameters
and outcome in cows suffering from Omaso-abomasal volvulus (OAV). Animals data were obtained from medical
records of 60 adult dairy cattle suffering from OAV (Clinic for Ruminants, Justus-Liebig-University, Germany).
For each case, history, age, results of clinical examination, hematological and biochemical findings were recorded
and analyzed. Ages of animals were between 2.3 and 8 years, (mean 4.8). Compared with the respective normal
range, there were significant increases of the heart rate, hematocrit, total bilirubin, urea blood, concentrations of
bicarbonate and base excess. Serum chloride and potassium were significantly decreased in the majority of cows.
In this study, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, hypochloremia, hypokalemia and circulatory insufficiency were
the major common findings in cows with Omasum-abomasal volvulus. Excessive stretching of the abomasal wall
and long lasting strangulations at the torsion-sites must be avoided (surgery should be performed as soon after
diagnosis of AOV as possible) and correction of these conditions with aggressive intravenous fluid therapy is
necessary before the surgical intervention for correction of the hematobiochemical alterations

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