Observations on the proximal duodenal obstruction in Borno White goats

Abstract

An experimental study of proximal duodenal obstruction (PDO) was performed on five Borno White goats by surgically placing an obstructing ligature on the duodenum 6 cm distal to the pylorus. Three intact goats were the first controls and another three goats, which were laparotomized (sham treated), were the second controls. Goats with PDO were weak, anorexic and passed very scanty to no faeces 24 h after PDO. Mean packed cell volume was higher during PDO, but not significantly increased ( P>0.05). Total plasma protein concentration was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the total white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were significantly increased ( P<0.05), which suggested loss of plasma protein and, perhaps, some adrenergic stimulation. Plasma urea, creatinine, cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations were unaltered by PDO, which may suggest that haemoconcentration and reduction in bile flow could not have been significant. Moderate hypochloraemia, hypokelaemia and alkalosis were observed at 72 h after PDO. The clinical signs, haematological and plasma biochemical parameters observed in the experimental PDO may be used as diagnostic indications of natural cases of PDO in Borno White goats.