Clinical characteristics, haematology and biochemical analytes of primary omasal impaction in bovines

Abstract

This study was conducted on 11 animals (7 buffaloes and 4 cows) diagnosed with primary omasal impaction. In all the cases, laparorumenotomy was performed and omasal impaction was confirmed based on the consistency of the omasal contents along with an empty abomasum. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinic-pathologic findings, and treatment were determined. Clinical examination was found to be helpful in subjective assessment of omasal impaction but could not aid in definitive diagnosis. Pain on palpation of the omasal area along with rectal findings could be a diagnostic feature. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was observed in a majority of animals. Total bilirubin, glucose, lactate, BUN, and fibrinogen, as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were significantly high in the primary omasal impaction group compared to the control group. Albumin, fibrinogen ratio, calcium, and chloride were significantly low in the primary omasal impaction group. The negative prognostic signs were neutrophilic leukocytosis with marked left shift and toxic changes in neutrophils, chloride levels below 70 mmol/L, potassium below 2 mmol/L, lactate above 9 mmol/L, and highly distended omasum on rumenotomy. Primary omasal impaction should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases associated with cessation of defecation and abdominal pain.