Abomasal Ulcers Research Articles

Therapeutic management of non-perforating abomasal ulcer in cattle

Therapeutic management of non-perforating abomasal ulcer in cattle

Case report: Complications after using the “blind-stitch” method in a dairy cow with a left displaced abomasum: treatment, outcome, and economic evaluation

A fourth lactation dairy cow that was 35 days in milk was referred to the clinic for treatment after undergoing unsuccessful treatment of a left displaced abomasum (LDA). The physical examination revealed complications after using the “blind-stitch” method for correction of the LDA; the cow had an abnormal general demeanor, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and local inflammation of the abdominal wall at the site of the suture. Systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and intravenous fluids were administered, and a right flank laparotomy and omentopexy according to Dirksen were performed after cutting the suture and breaking down the adhesions of the localized peritonitis between the abdominal wall and the abomasal puncture site. The cow was monitored clinically and discharged 2 weeks after referral. The cow was milked for another two lactations producing a total of 18,000 kg of milk, with a lifetime production of 59,141 kg. The total cost for the case was 310 € for the first intervention using the “blind-stitch” method and 897 € for the second laparotomic intervention. The costs (excluding tax) of both procedures including physical examination, surgery, medications, diagnostics, and labor were calculated. The lost revenue associated with the withdrawal period and lower milk production was 4,168 €. Percutaneous LDA fixation techniques, such as the “blind-stitch” and “toggle-pin” methods, have gained popularity because they are quick and cost-effective and involve minimal labor. However, many buiatricians are critical of these techniques because of the high risk of complications. The following four factors require careful consideration when choosing a method for LDA correction: (1) Percutaneous methods require precision and adherence to the described inclusion, exclusion, and cancelation criteria; (2) Operator skill is essential, and therefore regularly performing laparotomies increases surgical experience and enables the veterinarian to better manage different and more complex abdominal disorders; (3) By performing a laparotomy, other underlying abdominal disorders such as reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcers may be detected; (4) Postoperative husbandry and treatment are important factors affecting the outcome. The cost calculated for this case underlines the potential benefit and necessity of successful animal health management and the importance of a highly skilled veterinarian and farm workforce.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Omeprazole in Sheep and Goats.

Abomasal ulcers are a challenge in animal farming, affecting health, welfare, and productivity. Omeprazole's (OPZ) efficacy in treating these ulcers is known, but data on its pharmacokinetics (PK) in adult goats and sheep are lacking. The purpose of this research was to investigate and contrast OPZ's PK in these animals following a single intravenous (IV, 1 mg/kg) and subcutaneous (SC, 2 mg/kg) doses. Sheep and goats had similar exposure levels for all administration routes, with no significant AUC(0-∞)D variations. Half-life was short in both species (sheep: 0.20 h; goats: 0.31 h). Goats had a higher volume of distribution after IV administration. Clearance was rapid, and extraction ratio values were high for both goats and sheep (43% and 30%, respectively). SC administration showed similarities in Cmax and Tmax values between species. Both goats and sheep had high bioavailability (about 80%) levels and comparable mean absorption times (MAT). Despite some PK parameters' variances, systemic exposure to OPZ is similar in sheep and goats. SC administration's high bioavailability suggests it as a convenient field application route. Further investigations are needed to understand OPZ's effectiveness in small ruminants with abomasal ulcers and improve dosing regimens for clinical use.

Biochemical, Molecular, Postmortem and Histopathological Characterization of Bovine Theilerioses at Different Stages of Production and Reproduction

Theilerosis is the most important common vector (Tick) born and hemoprotozoan diseases (TBDS) which pose a serious threat to the livestock population in terms of mortality, reduced milk yield and lowered draft power. The disease is having impact on biochemistry and systemic functions affecting at different stages of production and reproduction of dairy cattle as well as there is lack of accurate diagnosis of this disease. A total 1900 cases were suspected for theileriosis on the basis of clinical signs and total 950 cases were found positive for theileriosis on the basis of blood smear examination. As per the stages of pregnancy and lactation, the cases were classified as cows in early pregnancy, cows in late pregnancy, cows in post parturient stage, cows in early and late lactation period. Biochemical alterations like increased AST, ALT and BUN level indicating liver and kidney dysfunctions in all the groups and significantly higher in post parturient group. The serum phosphorus, calcium and magnesium level decreased in all the affected groups and mostly in late pregnancy period and post parturient stage indicating metabolic disturbances during the disease which were aggravated during theileriosis. Through molecular diagnosis 114 cows (65.51%) were found positive for T. annulata and 41 cows (22.9%) were found positive for T. orientalis and 19 cows (10.9%) were found positive for both Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the accession number for Theileria annulata was OQ230445 which is having 100% similarity with puri isolate and 98% similarity with Khorda isolate and the accession number for T. orientalis was OQ 230446 having 85% similarity with Khorda isolate. On necropsy, the animals were weak, debilitated with atrophy of the muscles. In some cases, the liver was enlarged, markedly congested and in some cases yellowish tinged surface and cut edges with distension of gall bladder was evident. Abomasal ulcers were distinct and considered as pathognomonic. On histopathological examination, the liver revealed necrosis of hepatocytes with sinusoidal congestion and infiltration of mononuclear cells. In lymphnode, there was depletion of lymphocytes in lymphoid follicles with congestion and haemorrhage. Pulmonary edema was also evident in few cases. The combined approach involving biochemical, molecular, Post-mortem and histopathological characters were found to be fruitful in diagnosis of the bovine theileriosis at different stages of production and reproduction with optimum specificity.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenously and subcutaneously administered pantoprazole in sheep (Ovis aries).

Abomasal ulcers are recognized in sheep of all ages, but research regarding therapeutic interventions is limited. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as pantoprazole, are clinically used with a paucity of evidence regarding efficacy in mature sheep. Intravenous and subcutaneously administered pantoprazole dosed at 1.0 mg/kg in adult sheep will increase the pH of abomasal fluid compared to pre-administration baseline. The objectives were to assess the effect of pantoprazole, after single and multiple administration, on abomasal fluid pH in adult sheep. A third objective was to describe the pharmacokinetic parameters of IV and SC pantoprazole. Four clinically healthy adult Southdown ewes previously fitted with a gastrostomy tube in the abomasum were utilized in this randomized, 2-way cross-over trial. Ewes received pantoprazole (1.0 mg/kg) as a single and 3-dose regimen (every 24 hours). After a 10 day washout period the reverse treatment was applied. Blood for analysis of pantoprazole concentration was collected intermittently for 24 hours, and abomasal fluid pH was measured at intervals for a 96-hour period. The pH of the abomasal fluid was higher in pantoprazole treatments for up to 24 hours after dosing. Following intravenous administration of pantoprazole to study ewes, elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and clearance of pantoprazole was estimated as 3.29 hours, 0.35 L/kg, and 65.26 mL/hr/kg respectively. After subcutaneous dosing, maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration, half-life of elimination, and volume of distribution, were estimated as 2604 ng/mL, 0.55 hours, 2.48 hours, and 0.37 L/kg. Additionally, the bioavailability was estimated as 83.33%. Pantoprazole administered IV or SC may be useful for treatment or prevention of abomasal ulcers in adult sheep.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of intravenous and subcutaneous pantoprazole in sheep and goats

Abomasal ulcers are a significant concern in intensive animal farming due to their impact on animal health and productivity. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as pantoprazole (PTZ) show promise in treating these ulcers, data on PTZ's pharmacokinetics (PK) in adult goats and sheep are limited. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating and comparing PTZ's PK in these species following single intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administrations. Five healthy male goats and sheep were included in the study. PTZ concentrations in plasma samples were determined using a validated analytical method. Non-compartmental analysis was conducted, and statistical comparisons were made between IV and SC administrations and between species. Sheep and goats showed similar systemic exposure levels regardless of the administration route. However, sheep had a shorter t1/2 due to a higher Vd compared to goats. Cl values were comparable in both species, with low extraction ratio values. There were no significant differences in Cmax and Tmax between the two species with regards to SC administration, and complete bioavailability was observed. The MAT exceeded the t1/2 in both species, indicating a potential flip-flop phenomenon. Considering the AUC as a predictor for drug efficacy, and observing no significant differences in systemic exposure between sheep and goats for any route of administration, dosage adjustment between the two species may not be necessary. In field settings, SC administration proves more practical, providing not only complete bioavailability but also a longer half-life compared to IV. Further studies are warranted to explore the PK/PD of PTZ in small ruminants with abomasal ulcers, to fully comprehend its therapeutic efficacy in such scenarios.

Pharmacokinetics of famotidine in goats after intravenous administration.

There is currently limited pharmacokinetic data for the use of famotidine in goats for treatment and prevention of abomasal ulceration. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters after a single intravenous administration of famotidine (0.6 mg/kg). Famotidine was administered to six healthy goats and plasma samples were collected over a 24-h period. The famotidine concentration was measured using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Non-compartmental analysis was then used to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters. The maximum plasma concentration was estimated at 5476.68 ± 1530.51 ng/mL and elimination half-life was estimated at 18.455 ± 13.26 min. The mean residence time was determined to be 19.85 ± 12.14 min with the apparent volume of distribution being estimated at 321.924 ± 221.667. The area under the curve was determined to be 54230.08 ± 24947.6 min*ng/mL. Total exposure and elimination half-life were less than what has been reported in cattle and horses. Future research evaluating the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous administration and looking at the pharmacodynamics of famotidine in goats is needed to determine the effectiveness of famotidine on raising pH levels of the abomasum.

Comparative disposition kinetics of oral deracoxib in sheep and goats.

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics (PK) of deracoxib (DX), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in sheep and goats following a single oral dose. DX, approved for dogs, holds potential as an alternative NSAID in small ruminants, particularly in light of heightened concern regarding abomasal ulceration. The study employed an oral administration of DX at a dose of 150 mg/head (sheep and goats), and plasma concentrations were determined after validating a high-performance liquid chromatography method, coupled to a UV detector. The PK parameters, including maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), elimination half-life (t1/2), and area under the curve (AUC), were evaluated through non-compartmental analysis. Results showed detectable DX in plasma up to 48 h, with no observed adverse effects. No significant differences in any PK parameters were noted between sheep and goats. Notably, t1/2 values were relatively long, at 16.66 h for sheep and 22.86 h for goats. Despite the fact that both species exhibited comparable drug exposure, high individual variability was noted within each species, suggesting to take into account individual variations in response to DX treatment, rather than species-specific considerations. Additional research involving pharmacodynamics and multiple-dose studies is warranted to comprehensively assess the profile of DX in these species.

Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal

ABSTRACT Case history An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%. Clinical findings and treatment The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia. The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis. Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals. Diagnosis The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro– and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning. Clinical relevance Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

Diagnóstico clínico e anatomopatológico em bovinos acometidos por úlceras do abomaso perfuradas e com comorbidades

This study describes the findings of the clinical and anatomopathological diagnosis in cattle affected by perforated abomasal ulcers and with comorbidities. Twenty-five cattle were evaluated, young (n=8, aged less than two years) and adults (n=17, aged greater than two and a half years), diagnosed with perforated abomasal ulcers. Epidemiological information was retrieved from the medical records. Blood, ruminal fluid, and peritoneal fluid (PI) samples were collected for laboratory examination. Ultrasound examination, exploratory laparotomy, and post mortem examinations were performed for diagnostic purposes. The main clinical findings of perforated ulcers in the present study were: apathy, dehydration, intestinal hypomotility, diarrheal stools, hypomotile or atonic rumen, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal distention with bilateral bulging, and increased abdominal tension. The most frequent abnormal hematological findings were hypoproteinemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis with a left shift. The peritoneal fluid (PL) showed an inflammatory reaction in the cytology, characteristic of an exudate. A confirmatory diagnosis of peritonitis by ultrasonography was possible in five cases, and in two cases at exploratory laparotomy. In the post mortem examination, the ulcers were characterized as type 3, 4, or 5, with comorbidities present in 68% of the cases. It is necessary to combine ultrasonography with abdominal centesis and exploratory laparotomy procedures to suggest perforated ulcers. However, post mortem examination better characterizes the type of perforated ulcer present, particularly type 5.

Diagnostic significance of plasma gastrin concentration for the diagnosis of type 1 abomasal ulcer in water buffalo: A preliminary case control study

The type 1 abomasal ulcer (AU1) does not have specific clinical signs, so there is a need to identify some early biochemical markers for its diagnosis in cattle and buffaloes. The plasma gastrin is reported to reflect the gastric mucosa damage but its utility for the diagnosis of AU1 in buffaloes has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to investigate the test performance of plasma gastrin to distinguish between healthy buffaloes and the buffaloes with AU1. Twenty-three buffaloes with AU1 and six buffaloes without any abomasal ulcer were used. The blood samples were collected from buffaloes, slaughtered in a buffalo specific slaughterhouse for estimation of the plasma gastrin. After slaughter the abomasa were examined for the presence of AU1 and the blood samples were collected for estimation of plasma gastrin. The mean plasma gastrin concentration of the ulcer-positive buffaloes was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the ulcer-negative buffaloes. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimal value of plasma gastrin for the diagnosis of AU1 was 106.2 pg/mL. This preliminary work suggests that plasma gastrin could be a valid diagnostic test for the detection of AU1 in the buffaloes. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the plasma gastrin to diagnose AU1 in the buffaloes were 78.3, 100, 100 and 69.9 pg/mL, respectively.

Secondary type 1 abomasal ulcer in cattle and buffalo: A necropsy based case control study

Secondary type 1 abomasal ulcer in cattle and buffalo: A necropsy based case control study

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pantoprazole in calves

Abomasal ulcers occur commonly in veal calves as well as and hospitalized beef calves. One of the recognized therapeutic in­terventions for abomasal and gastric ulceration is the increase of the gastric pH. The lack of efficacy data for gastroprotec­tants, such as pantoprazole, for ulcer prevention and treatment in cattle is a health and welfare issue. The goal of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pantoprazole administered to healthy calves.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of esomeprazole in sheep after intravenous dosing.

Abomasal (gastric) ulceration is a morbidity in sheep, and currently, there is a paucity of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for gastroprotectant drugs reported for this species. The proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole has been used in small animal and human patients for gastroprotection via increasing the gastric pH. The objective of this study was to report the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamic effect of esomeprazole in sheep after single intravenous dosing. Four healthy adult Southdown cross ewes had blood collected over a 24 h time period after single intravenous dosing of esomeprazole at 1.0 mg/kg. Abomasal fluid was sampled over 24 h before and after esomeprazole administration. Plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of esomeprazole and the esomeprazole metabolite, esomeprazole sulfone by high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data were evaluated with specialized software. Esomeprazole was rapidly eliminated after IV administration. Elimination half-life, area under the curve, initial concentration (C0), and clearance were 0.2 h, 1,197 h*ng/mL, 4,321 ng/mL, and 0.83 mL/h/kg, respectively. For the sulfone metabolite elimination half-life, area under the curve and maximum concentration were 0.16 h, 22.5 h*ng/mL, and 65.0 ng/mL, respectively. Abomasal pH was significantly elevated from 1 to 6 h after administration and remained above 4.0 for at least 8 h after administration. No adverse effects were noted in these sheep. Esomeprazole was rapidly eliminated in sheep, similar to goats. Abomasal pH was increased, but future studies will be necessary to develop a clinical management approach to the use of esomeprazole in sheep.

Type 2 abomasal ulceration in cattle and buffalo: energy and lipid metabolic status, clinico-biochemical parameters, treatment, and prognostic indicators

Twenty nine animals (22 cattle and 7 buffaloes) having type 2 abomasal ulcer (AU2) were studied in this prospective investigation, along with a control group (n = 20). Signalment, history, clinical signs, and laboratory alterations were determined. Blood, rumen fluid, abomasal fluid, and fecal samples were collected at the time of presentation. Depressed behavior, anorexia, dehydration, melena, sparse feces, and mushy rumen with substantially reduced or nonexistent motility, tachycardia, and tachypnea were common clinical findings. Colic was observed in 58% of animals. While the neutrophil count was significantly greater, the mean of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and hematocrit were all lower (p < 0.05) than the corresponding control values. In comparison to the control values, the levels of BHBA, NEFA, lactate, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, LDH, CK, GGT, ALP, and AST were significantly higher but levels of proteins, cholesterol, Na, K, Cl, and calcium were lower (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control values, the other hemato-biochemical parameters did not differ substantially (p < 0.05). The rumen and abomasal pH were within the reference range while rumen chloride concentration was increased in majority of animals. Higher percentage (p < 0.05) of non-survivors showed left shift and toxic alterations in neutrophils than the survivors. As compared to the survivors, the non-survivors had higher (p < 0.05) BHBA, triglycerides, total bilirubin, AST, ALP, LDH, and lactate, and lower (p < 0.05) fibrinogen and calcium. The response to medical treatment was fair, long time survival rate was good, and there was no recurrence. The follow-up period was 28months. After treatment, both the current and the subsequent lactation's milk production were unaffected.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of pantoprazole in calves.

Development of abomasal ulceration is a large concern, especially within calves; however, there is a paucity of research into the use of gastro protectants in ruminant species. Proton pump inhibitors, such as pantoprazole, are widely used in humans and companion animals. Their efficacy in ruminant species is undetermined. The objectives of this study were to 1) estimate the plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for pantoprazole in neonatal calves after three days of intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) administration, and 2) measure the effect pantoprazole had on abomasal pH over the treatment period. Pantoprazole was administered to 6 Holstein-Angus cross bull calves at a dose of 1 mg/kg (IV) or 2 mg/kg (SC), once a day (every 24 h) for three days. Plasma samples were collected over a 72 h period and analyzed via HPLC-UV for determining pantoprazole concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived via non-compartmental analysis. Abomasal (n= 8) samples were collected via abomasal cannulas over a 12 h period, per calf per day. Abomasal pH was determined via a bench top pH analyzer. Following Day 1 of IV administration, plasma clearance, elimination half-life, and volume of distribution of pantoprazole were estimated at 199.9 mL/kg/h, 1.44 h, and 0.51 L/kg, respectively. On Day 3 of IV administration, the reported values were 192.9 mL/kg/h, 2.52 h, and 1.80 L/kg mL, respectively. Elimination half-life and volume of distribution (V/F) of pantoprazole following SC administration were estimated at 1.81 h and 0.55 L/kg, respectively, on Day 1; and 2.99 h and 2.82 L/kg, respectively, on Day 3. The reported values for IV administration were similar to those previously reported in calves. SC administration appears to be well absorbed and tolerated. The sulfone metabolite was detectable for 36 h after the last administration for both routes. Abomasal pH was significantly higher than the pre-pantoprazole pH 4, 6, and 8 h after administration in both the IV and SC groups. Further studies of pantoprazole as a treatment/preventative for abomasal ulcers are warranted.

Risk factors, clinical indicators, and pathological findings of abomasal ulcers in tropical dairy buffaloes.

The current study aimed at identifying the risk factors and initial diagnostic aids for abomasal ulcers. The risk factor analysis confirmed a significant association (P < 0.05) of abomasal ulcers with concentrate-rich diets (OR, 4.795; CI, 1.212-15.974) and concurrent disorders (OR, 2.978; CI, 0.987-8.980), while the buffaloes in early lactation (OR, 2.777; CI, 0.703-10.972) showed a higher tendency (P = 0.078) for the disorder. The depressed demeanour, dark or black manure (melena), anemia, tachycardia, decreased milk production, anorexia, tachypnea, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, kyphosis, and tachypnea were the most frequent clinical signs. Subjecting the abomasal fluid for cultural isolation, gram staining, and stormy clot fermentation test identified the presence of clostridium perfringes, while screening through uniplex PCR detected cpa toxin. The buffaloes affected with type-3 and 4 abomasal ulcers exhibited a higher peritoneal fluid to serum ratio of total protein, albumin, and glucose with a low (P < 0.01) serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) concentration compared to reference values of healthy buffaloes. The first two principal components of PCA explained 54.50% of the total variances with lymphocytes, creatine kinase, and rumen chloride levels as the top contributors to dimension I, and albumin, total protein, sodium, and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) for rumen liquor as the major contributors to dimension II. The vector plot revealed lymphocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, decreased rumen pH, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, leucocytosis, greater MBRT, and higher rumen chloride, serum creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen as the major indicators for abomasal ulcers. Histopathological studies revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa along with multifocal areas of necrosis, degeneration, and eroded muscle structure. The study projected a few high-scored clinical signs and extremely variable clinical indicators as initial diagnostic aids of abomasal ulcers, which can be confirmed by ultrasonography and peritoneal fluid examination.

Primary type 3 abomasal ulceration in cattle and buffalo: clinico-biochemical parameters, treatment, and prognostic indicators.

The clinical findings, laboratory alterations, and prognosis of primary type 3 abomasal ulcer (AU3) are poorly reported in the literature. To describe clinical findings, hemato-biochemical changes, and peritoneal fluid changes in bovines suffering from primary AU3, and to monitor responses to medical treatment and outcomes. The study included 32 bovines (20 cattle and 12 buffaloes) diagnosed with primary AU3 along with a control group. Common clinical findings were depressed demeanor, anorexia, dehydration, scanty feces, melena, mushy atonic rumen, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Colic was observed in 56.3% of animals. The mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, and lymphocyte count were lower (P≤0.05), while WBC and neutrophil count were higher than the values of the control group (P≤0.05). The levels of BHBA, NEFA, glucose, total bilirubin, AST, CK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, and lactate were higher (P≤0.05), while cholesterol, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium were lower than the values of the control group (P≤0.05). The rumen chloride concentration was increased. The left shift was observed in a higher percentage of nonsurvivors than survivors (P≤0.05). The nonsurvivors had higher levels of bilirubin, CK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, and rumen chloride (P≤0.05), and lower levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin (P≤0.05). Type 3 abomasal ulcers occurred during the various stages of lactation as well as in pregnant animals. The response to medical treatment was fair, long time survival rate was good, and there was no recurrence. There was no effect on fetal survival or milk yield in the subsequent lactation.

Vagal indigestion in cattle: a retrospective study

This study aimed to carry out a retrospective study of vagal indigestion cases diagnosed in cattle admitted at the Garanhuns Bovine Clinic, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco campus. This syndrome, caused by dysfunctions of the vagus nerve and characterized by motility disorders of the pre-stomachs and abomasum, represented 5.5% (70/1279) of digestive cases diagnosed in a period of 10 years and had an unfavorable prognosis in 78.3% of cases. Type II vagal indigestion was the most prevalent, accounting for 40% of cases, followed by type I (24.3%) and types III and IV, which accounted for 18.6% and 10.0% of cases, respectively. Vagal indigestion in 67.1% (47/70) of cases occurred as a result of other illnesses, such as traumatic reticuloperitonitis (27.7%), lung diseases (12.8%), gastric impaction (10.6%), abomasal ulcer (10.6%), lymphosarcoma (6.4%), and liver abscesses (6.4%). Motor changes in the gastrointestinal tract, such as hypomotility, abdominal distension, and bloat, as well as their consequences, were the most frequent clinical signs. Laboratory, ultrasonographic, and anatomopathological alterations mainly originate from the primary illnesses present in each case. The approach of this disease is essential due to its clinical and economic importance for livestock to expand the knowledge of its etiopathogenesis, thus contributing to a more accurate diagnosis by veterinarians working in the field of internal medicine for cattle.

Prevalence of omasal and abomasal disorders in cattle and buffaloes: A retrospective study

The present study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of omasal and abomasal disorders in cattle and buffaloes. This was a retrospective study of 2028 bovines. The overall prevalence of omasal and abomasal disorders was 6.71%, being similar for cattle (6.63%) and buffaloes (6.78%). The omasal and abomasal disorders comprised of omasal impaction, abomasal ulceration, abomasal impaction, abomasal bloat and late pregnancy indigestion, with an overall prevalence of 1.92%, 3.65%, 0.35%, 0.05% and 0.74%, respectively. Significantly higher incidence of omasal impaction in buffaloes (2.59%) compared to cattle (1.27%), and abomasal ulceration in cattle (4.68%) compared to buffaloes (2.59%), is new and interesting finding which could not be explained. The prevalence of other disorders did not differ significantly between cattle and buffaloes. The overall case prevalence was highest during post-monsoon (8.58%) and summer seasons (8.23%). The prevalence of omasal impaction was highest during summer season than other seasons except for winter season. The prevalence of abomasal ulceration in pre-summer was significantly lower than monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The data so generated would be a basis for further research to establish the causes for species predisposition to omasal impaction and abomasal ulceration, and association of these disorders with seasons.