Abomasal Lumen Research Articles

Repair of left displaced abomasum in a cow with the TPS procedure using makeshift equipment

Due to the need for veterinary intervention when surgery is required to correct a case of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in cattle, less expensive alternative procedures have been developed. The toggle-pin suture (TPS) procedure offers a lot of benefits, as it is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate. The purpose of this report is to show that it is possible to perform the TPS procedure with an available and low-cost material. It is about a case of recurrent indigestion that had lasted about 15 days in a 7-year aged Holstein dairy cow. Examination of the digestive system revealed overload of rumen and decreased motility, but the most significant clinical finding was an area of tympanic hyper-resonant “ping” heard on the left side of the flank, mainly in the middle and dorsal aspect of the abdomen at the level of the 9th to 12th intercostal space, revealed by auscultation and percussion exam. The decision was made to proceed with TPS for the abomasum repair because of the poor body condition of the cow, which may not survive surgery. Then, we proceeded with a supportive treatment in order to prepare the cow for the abomasum repair, scheduledfor the next day. The cow received an infusion of NaCl 0.9% and glucose 5%, and a general tonic injected via IM route. The improvised equipment consisted of: a medium trocar/cannula with a diameter of 10 mm to be used for rumen puncture, a 15 cm push rod, 5 cm rods made using a tube for bovine artificial insemination (5 mm diameter), and a lined fishing line (USP n°1) used to tie the rods. Iodine tincture 10% was used for disinfection of the equipment and for puncture site antisepsis. The cow was cast on her right side and rolled onto her back, and her front and rear legs were inserted separately. Auscultation and simultaneous percussion of the body wall between the umbilicus and xyphoid on the right side of the ventral midline for detection of “ping”, reveal the location of the abomasum and the site of trocarization. After local anesthesia had been applied at the elected trocarization points, two incisions of 1 cm each were made in the skin and the abdominal muscle. Then, the trocar/cannula was inserted through the incised points into the abdominal wall and then, in the abomasum; the trocar was removed and the cannula left in place. A bar suture was placed in the cannula and pushed into the abomasal lumen. The cannula was then removed, leaving the suture in place. Similarly, a second puncture was made about 5 cm from the first. Some abomasal liquid was allowed to escape prior to removal of the cannula; afterwards, the gauze was put between the threads, which were tied tightly. The cow was then rolled into the left lateral recumbency and allowed to stand. The recommended daily diet consists of 2 kg of wheat bran and 10 l of water, while avoiding roughage for 3 to 4 days, in order to achieve rumen emptying. The next day, the cow started defecating in large amounts; it got up easily and had a good reflex and appetite. We continued with anti-inflammatory (flunixin) and antibiotic (amoxicillin) drugs. In addition, neostigmine was administered to promote abomasum and small intestine motility. Starting from Day six, , the cow began feeding vetch-oat hay (3 kg twice a day). A week later, the cow showed a decrease in appetite and activity as well the presence of purulent discharge from the puncture site. This was most probably due to local peritonitis caused by the leakage of abomasal fluid into the peritoneal cavity, which led us to prescribe to the cow 3 days of penicillin/streptomycin treatment. At the same time, we cut the nylon thread suspected to be responsible for tissue reaction. With the persistence of slight purulent discharge, a final injection of Naxcel® was administered, following which the cow improved significantly, however, the puncture site remained firm to palpation. Over the course of 60 days of monitoring, the cow showed no problems, indicating the success of our experiment. We conclude that the use of available and inexpensive equipment to perform abomasal fixation by the TPS method is an easy and safe alternative for veterinarians practicing in countries with limited resources. However, we recommend to use a smaller gauge trocar/cannula and rods, and to opt for silk (4-5 USP) thread rather than the fishing line for rod fixation.

Abomasal dysfunction and cellular and mucin changes during infection of sheep with larval or adult Teladorsagia circumcincta.

This is the first integrated study of the effects on gastric secretion, inflammation and fundic mucins after infection with L3 T. circumcincta and in the very early period following transplantation of adult worms. At 3 months-of-age, 20 Coopworth lambs were infected intraruminally with 35,000 L3; infected animals were killed on Days 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 post-infection and 6 controls on either Day 0 or 30 post-infection. Another 15 Romney cross lambs received 10,000 adult worms at 4–5 months-of-age though surgically-implanted abomasal cannulae and were killed after 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours; uninfected controls were also killed at 72 hours. Blood was collected at regular intervals from all animals for measurement of serum gastrin and pepsinogen and abomasal fluid for pH measurement from cannulated sheep. Tissues collected at necropsy were fixed in Bouin’s fluid for light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and mucin staining and in Karnovsky's fluid for electron microscopy. Nodules around glands containing developing larvae were seen on Day 5 p.i., but generalised effects on secretion occurred only after parasite emergence and within hours after transplantation of adult worms. After L3 infection, there were maximum worm burdens on Days 10–15 post-infection, together with peak tissue eosinophilia, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, hypergastrinaemia, hyperpepsinogenaemia, loss of parietal cells, enlarged gastric pits containing less mucin and increased numbers of mucous neck cells. After adult transplantation, serum pepsinogen was significantly increased after 9 hours and serum gastrin after 18 hours. Parallel changes in host tissues and the numbers of parasites in the abomasal lumen suggest that luminal parasites, but not those in the tissues, are key drivers of the pathophysiology and inflammatory response in animals exposed to parasites for the first time. These results are consistent with initiation of the host response by parasite chemicals diffusing across the surface epithelium, possibly aided by components of ES products which increased permeability. Parietal cells appear to be a key target, resulting in secondary increases in serum gastrin, pit elongation, loss of surface mucins and inhibition of chief cell maturation. Inflammation occurs in parallel, and could either cause the pathology or exacerbate the direct effects of ES products.

Effect of surgical correction of left displaced abomasum by means of omentopexy via right flank laparotomy or two-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in lactating dairy cows

To compare the effects of surgical correction of left displaced abomasum (LDA) by means of omentopexy via right flank laparotomy or 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in lactating dairy cows. Controlled clinical trial. 30 lactating dairy cows with an LDA. Cows were alternately assigned to 2 groups of 15 cows each to receive surgical correction of LDA by means of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy or omentopexy via right flank laparotomy. A 50% D-xylose solution (0.5 g/kg [0.23 g/lb]) was injected into the abomasal lumen during surgery. Jugular venous blood samples for determination of serum D-xylose concentration were periodically obtained after injection. Abomasal emptying rate was evaluated by pharmacokinetic determination of the time to modeled maximal serum D-xylose concentration (T(max-model)). Mean +/- SD abomasal emptying rate was significantly faster after laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy (T(max-model), 192 +/- 51 minutes) than after omentopexy via right flank laparotomy (T(max-model), 264 +/- 94 minutes). Rumen contraction rate and milk yield increased faster after laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy, compared with values obtained after omentopexy; however, milk yield did not differ after the 2 procedures. Amelioration of abomasal hypomotility after laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy rather than omentopexy via right flank laparotomy may result in faster clinical improvement in the immediate postoperative period in cows undergoing correction of an LDA.

Effect of Preoperative Erythromycin or Dexamethasone/Vitamin C on Postoperative Abomasal Emptying Rate in Dairy Cows Undergoing Surgical Correction of Abomasal Volvulus

To determine the effects of preoperative erythromycin or combined dexamethasone/vitamin C treatment on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in cows undergoing surgical correction of abomasal volvulus (AV). Prospective, controlled, clinical study using a convenience sample. Lactating Holstein-Friesian cows (n=45) with AV were alternately assigned to 3 groups (n=15): group C: untreated (control); group E: erythromycin (10 mg/kg intramuscularly [IM]); group D: dexamethasone (0.02 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and vitamin C (10 mg/kg IV). Drugs were administered 1 hour before surgical correction of AV. D-xylose solution (50%, 0.5 g/kg body weight) was injected into the abomasal lumen during surgery. Jugular venous blood samples for determination of serum d-xylose concentration were periodically obtained. Time to maximal serum D-xylose concentration (T(max-model)) was pharmacokinetically determined. Abomasal emptying rate was significantly (P<0.05) faster in group E (T(max-model)=182+/-69 min; mean+/-SD) than in group C cows (T(max-model)=237+/-64 min). Abomasal emptying rate was similar in group D (T(max-model)=196+/-47 min) and group C. Both treatments improved postoperative milk yield within 1 day after surgery. Preoperative injection of erythromycin (10 mg/kg IM) is an effective method for ameliorating postoperative abomasal hypomotility in cows with AV. Parenteral erythromycin can be recommended for preoperative treatment of cows with AV.

Effect of preoperative administration of erythromycin or flunixin meglumine on postoperative abomasal emptying rate in dairy cows undergoing surgical correction of left displacement of the abomasum

To determine whether preoperative administration of erythromycin or flunixin meglumine altered postoperative abomasal emptying rate, rumen contraction rate, or milk production in dairy cattle undergoing surgical correction of left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). Nonrandomized, controlled clinical trial. 45 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with LDA. Cows were alternately assigned to an erythromycin (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], IM), flunixin (2.2 mg/kg [1.0 mg/lb], IV), or control group (n = 15/group). Treatments were administered once 1 hour before surgical correction of LDA. D-Xylose solution (50%; 0.5 g/kg [0.23 g/lb]) was injected into the abomasal lumen during surgery, and venous blood samples were periodically obtained to determine time to maximum serum D-xylose concentration. Abomasal emptying rate was significantly faster in cows treated with erythromycin (mean +/- SD time to maximum serum D-xylose concentration, 149 +/- 48 minutes) than in control cows (277 +/- 95 minutes) but was not significantly different between cows treated with flunixin (230 +/- 49 minutes) and control cows. Cows treated with erythromycin had significantly greater milk production, relative to production before surgery, on postoperative days 1 and 2 than did control cows. Cows in the erythromycin and flunixin groups had a significantly higher rumen contraction rate on the first postoperative day than did control cows. Results suggested that preoperative administration of a single dose of erythromycin increased abomasal emptying rate, rumen contraction rate, and milk production in the immediate postoperative period in cows undergoing surgical correction of LDA.

One-step laparoscopic abomasopexy for correction of left-sided displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows

Four adult dairy cows in which a diagnosis of left-displaced abomasum (LDA) had been made underwent a 1-step laparoscopic abomasopexy (LA). The technique was performed with each cow positioned in dorsal recumbency. Two laparoscopic portals were created in the right paramedian area to identify the abomasum and direct insertion of the steel trocar and cannula into the abomasal lumen. A stainless steel toggle pin (with 2 lengths of suture attached to its midpoint) was inserted via the cannula into the abomasal lumen while the excess suture material remained exterior to the abdomen. The abomasum was deflated, and the excess suture material was withdrawn up to a preset marker on the suture to position the abomasum adjacent to the body wall. The suture was then tied to secure the abomasum in place. By use of this 1-step LA technique, LDA was successfully corrected in all 4 cows. The procedure is minimally invasive and allows viewing of the abomasum for correct positioning and fixation; it can be accomplished with the speed associated with the blind roll-and-tack technique. The 1-step LA technique may reduce the incidence of complications associated with traditional laparotomy and the blind roll-and-tack technique and could be a useful alternative procedure for the treatment of LDA in dairy cows.

A macro- and light microscopical study of the pathology of &lt;i&gt;Calicophoron microbothrium&lt;/i&gt; infection in experimentally infected cattle

Twelve Tuli weaner steers aged 1 year were randomly subdivided into three groups of four animals and infected with different doses of Calicophoron microbothrium metacercariae. Each animal in Group I received a low dose (LD) of 5 000 metacercariae, Group II a medium dose (MD) of 15 000 metacercariae, Group III a high dose (HD) of 25 000 metacercariae and one additional animal was kept as an uninfected control (C). After infection, one animal from each group was slaughtered on Day 28, 42, 56 and 84 post infection (pi) and samples from the ileum, jejunum, duodenum, abomasum and the rumen were collected for histopathological and cytological examination. On Day 28 pi, the gross pathological lesions observed in the duodenum of the LD and the MD animals were similar and comprised duodenal thickening, corrugation, hyperaemia, petechiation and ulceration. In the HD animal the duodenal lesions were similar but more severe. The abomasal folds were severely oedematous in the MD group and nearly occluded the abomasal lumen. Moderate oedema of the abomasal folds was also present in the LD and HD animals. The gross pathological lesions regressed in all the infected groups with increasing age of infection and had disappeared completely by Day 56 pi. On Day 28 pi the histopathological lesions in the duodenum and jejunum of the LD and MD groups were similar, comprising subtotal villous atrophy, hyperplasia of Brunner's glands and Peyer's patches and moderate infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells and a few globule leukocytes, basophils and lymphocytes in the lamina propria. The HD group had total villous atrophy, severe hyperplasia and cystic dilatation of Brunner's glands, which had expanded to cover the entire submucosa. On Day 42 pi the histopathological lesions were still present in the MD and the HD groups comprising subtotal villous atrophy and hyperplasia of Brunner's glands. Heavy infiltrations of eosinophils, moderate amounts of mast cells and a few basophils, globule leukocytes and lymphocytes were still present in the lamina propria of all three groups. On Day 56 pi, a few glands were still cystic in the MD and the HD groups. Moderate cell infiltrations were still present in the lamina propria of all the three groups and by Day 84 pi complete regeneration had occurred in all animals.

Effect of orally administered cimetidine and ranitidine on abomasal luminal pH in clinically normal milk-fed calves.

To characterize the change of pH in the abomasal lumen throughout a 24-hour period, to determine whether pH of the abomasal body differs from pH of the pyloric antrum, and to determine whether oral administration of cimetidine and ranitidine alters pH of the abomasal lumen in milk-fed calves. 5 male dairy calves (4 Holsteins-Friesian, 1 Ayrshire), 5 to 15 days old. Cannulas were surgically positioned in the abomasal body and pyloric antrum of each calf. Calves received the following treatments in a randomized crossover design: milk replacer (60 ml/kg of body weight, q 12 h [untreated control calves]), milk replacer and cimetidine (50 or 100 mg/kg, q 8 h), or milk replacer and ranitidine (10 or 50 mg/kg, q 8 h). The pH of the abomasal body and pyloric antrum was measured for 24 hours, using miniature glass pH electrodes. Suckling of milk replacer immediately increased abomasal luminal pH from 1.4 to 6.0, followed by a gradual decrease to preprandial values by 6 hours. Preprandial and postprandial pH values were not significantly different between the abomasal body and pyloric antrum, indicating lack of pH compartmentalization in the abomasum of milk-fed calves. Administration of cimetidine and ranitidine caused a significant dose-dependent increase in mean 24-hour abomasal luminal pH. Abomasal acid secretion in milk-fed calves is mediated in part by histamine type-2 receptors. Cimetidine and ranitidine may be efficacious in the treatment of abomasal ulcers in milk-fed calves.

Mesure des variations du tonus pariétal de l'abomasum chez le Mouton

An inflatable bag of 250 ml at the pressure of 2 mm Hg inside the abomasal lumen was used to identify the abomasal smooth muscle tone. Reduced tone of the ovine abomasum was assessed, like for the fundic part of the canine stomach, in relation with the cyclic motor activity of the proximal duodenum. Opposite effects were obtained following parasympathomimetic drug injection versus peptides of the gastrin group, suggesting a high responsiveness of the abomasal smooth muscle tone to both neural and hormonal influences.

In vitro demonstration of in utero larval development in an oviparous parasitic nematode: Haemonchus contortus.

The life-cycle of Haemonchus contortus, a pathogenic stomach nematode of sheep, is typical of those of the other members of the superfamily Trichostrongyloides, all of which require a period of development outside the definitive host. Classically, gravid H. contortus, known as strictly oviparous, releases her eggs into the abomasal lumen. The eggs are passed out in the faeces in which they hatch into the 1st-stage larvae and then develop into the infective 3rd-stage larvae. We have developed a method to study the fate of eggs within gravid worms. Using this procedure, we have shown that H. contortus may also exhibit viviparity with apparently normal development from the egg to the 4th larval stage taking place within the gravid female maintained in vitro. On the basis of these observations we speculate that viviparity might occur in vivo with consequent autoinfections; if so, this might explain some puzzling clinical and epidemiological features of haemonchosis, as well as the incomplete efficacy of current control measures.

Immune exclusion, a mechanism of protection against the ovine nematode Haemonchus contortus

The fate of exsheathed Haemonchus contortus larvae injected directly into the abomasal lumen was studied in groups of naive and hyperimmune sheep. Within 48 hours of challenge, more than 90 per cent of the larvae were lost from hyperimmune sheep. The larvae had a propensity to associate with the superficial mucus in both groups and, in naive sheep, approximately 50 per cent of the larvae entered glandular tissue within four hours of challenge. By contrast, although initially associated with the mucosal surface, larvae in immune sheep were excluded from the glandular tissues. It is postulated that the rapid loss of worms from the hyperimmune abomasum is a consequence of 'immune exclusion' and the possible mechanisms underlying this process are discussed.

Radioiodine Absorption and Secretion by the Calf Abomasum

The bidirectional passage of radioiodine between the blood and abomasum was investigated in 12 anesthetized calves. Ratios of abomasal venous to arterial 131I concentrations averaged 0.84±0.13 (sd) during 24 minutes and 0.72±0.13 at 24 hours after intravenous administration indicating 16 to 28% removal of circulating iodine by the abomasum. Recovery of 125I in abomasal contents 25 minutes after injection into the abomasum averaged 72±23%. Movement of iodine from the abomasal lumen to the blood was further indicated by rapid appearance of 125I in abomasal venous blood which plateaued between 2 and 3% of the 125I dose per liter within seven minutes. A negative relationship (r = 0.96, P<.01) was found between 131I uptakes by the thyroid and abomasum 24 hours after dosing.