A retrospective study of peritoneal fluids in cows with abdominal disorders

Tomaz Zadnik

doi:10.2298/vetgl1004187t

Abstract

At the Clinic for Ruminants in Ljubljana, an investigation of peritoneal fluid in cows that stretched over 30 years was conducted. A total of 779 cows were studied; 444 had hardware disease, 212 had left abomasal displacement, 98 cows had right abomasal displacement with or without abomasal torsion, and 25 cows had problems with the uterus. Abdominocentesis, macroscopic and microscopic examination of peritoneal fluid (physical appearance, differantion to transudate/exudates, cytological characteristics) offered valuable diagnostic information. On the basis of the results of 779 laboratory examinations, we have come to the conclusion that abdominal fluid is of significant diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic value for several acute and chronic abdominal diseases. .

Highlights

Abdominal problems are one of the most important diseases in cattle around the world and in Slovenia (Radostits et al, 2007; Zadnik and Jazbec, 1996)
Abdominocentesis of the abdomen includes obtaining a sample of peritoneal fluid when peritonitis or inflammation of serosae of the intestines or other viscera of the abdomen is suspected (Ochme and Moorsdy, 1970; Radostits et al, 2000; 2007)
Peritoneal fluid reflects the pathophysiological state of the parietal and visceral mesothelial surfaces of the peritoneum (Hosgood and Salisbury, 1989; Radostits et al, 2007; Zadnik, 2000). It is of vital importance in the diagnosis of abdominal disorders in cows (Frame and Cert, 1997; Zadnik, 2000; Wilson et al, 1985)

Summary

Introduction

Abdominal problems are one of the most important diseases in cattle around the world and in Slovenia (Radostits et al, 2007; Zadnik and Jazbec, 1996). Peritoneal fluid analysis was a very useful aid in clinical examinations and the correct diagnosis of abdominal disorders, especially if it was not possible to carry out blood tests (Oehme, 1969; Radostits et al, 2000).

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Conclusion