Clinico-Biochemical, Rumen Function and Histopathological Investigations of Trichobezoars in Sheep

Abstract

Twenty-five out of 200 mature Barki ewes were diagnosed with trichobezoars over two years in a privately owned sheep farm. Diagnosed ewes showed signs of inappetence, dullness, emaciation, weakness, scanty hard feces, and recurrent bouts of tympany. Closer observation of these ewes revealed the abnormal behavior of wool pulling by teeth from each other. Serum copper, zinc, iron, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulins, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and total cholesterol levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in ewes affected by trichobezoars than healthy ewes. In contrast, mean values of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, blood urea, and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in affected ewes. Furthermore, ruminal fluid analysis of trichobezoars ewes revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in pH, total protozoa counts with reduced motility, whereas a significantly (P < 0.01) prolonged methylene blue reduction time and elevated levels of total volatile fatty acids were observed. Histopathological changes in the trichobezoars-affected rumen revealed ballooning degeneration, leukocytic infiltration in the mucosal layer. Mucosal sloughing with a detachment of the stratified epithelium abomasum showed ulcerated surface with necrotic glandular epithelium and focal leukocytic infiltrations, in conclusion when trichobezoars accumulate in larger numbers, more significant sizes in the rumen and Abomasum can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and increase mortality risks in sheep.