Abomasum Research Articles

Blood concentration of proteins, bilirubin and glucose in cows with left displaced abomasum

The concentration of total proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, and glucose were examined in the blood of healthy cows and those with left displaced abomasum. Significant digressions from physiological values in cows with left displaced abomasum were established in proteinemia (x = 87.92 g/l) and in bilirubinemia (x = 10.29 ?mol/l). Hyperproteinemia indicates chemoconcentration in the diseased animals, which is also indicated in significantly higher concentrations of albumin in the diseased in comparison with the healthy animals (x = 41.94 - 3.5 : 36.89 - 3.95 g/l). The higher values for glucemia in the diseased against the healthy animals (x = 2.628 : 2.203 mmol/l) could indicate disrupted function of B-cells of the endocrine pancreas. This data can come in useful in setting the diagnosis, but it also has no less importance in the determination of the prognosis for the disease. Determining the liver function during the disease should contribute to the better knowledge of its role in the degree of the occurrence of this health disorder, as well as the outcome of the disease itself. This is of particular importance having in mind that displaced abomasum most frequently occurs in the early stage of lactation, when a negative energy balance is already present. This state is conducive to the occurrence of fatty liver, and that is why displaced abomasum can contribute even further to the process of fat accumulation, having in mind that diseased animals consume significantly smaller quantities of feed.

Blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations in cows with left displaced abomasum

Abomasal displacement is one of the most important disorders of the digestive tract in high-yield dairy cows. The etiology and pathogenesis of its occurrence has not been fully clarified to this day. The work examines calcaemia and phosphataemia in cows during the antepartal and postpartal periods and their connection with the incidence of abomasal displacement. The experiment covered 30 cows in advanced stages of gravidity. Blood samples were taken two weeks before expected parturition and two weeks after calving. In all blood samples (taken antepartal and postpartal), concentrations of calcium and an organic phosphorus were determined using a commercial test package (Bio-Merieux). Following parturition, left displacement of the abomasums was established in seven (23.33 %) of the 30 cows covered by the experiment (experimental group). The remaining 23 cows in the experiment were clinically healthy, they were placed in a group and represented control animals. The average value of calcaemia for the control group of cows during the antepartal period was 2.72?0.25 mmol/l, and of phosphataemia 2.04?0.25 mmol/l. In the same cows postpartum, average calcaemia values were 2.46?0.22 mmol/l and phosphataemia 1.85?0.29 mmol/l. The average antepartal value for calcaemia in the experimental group of cows was 2.51?0.25 mmol/l, and for phosphataemia 1.73? 0.22 mmol/l. The average values for this group of cows postpartally was 2.13?0.31 mmol/l for calcaemia and 1.43?0.24 mmol/l for phosphataemia. The differences between the concentration values for calcium and phosphorus obtained postpartally between the experimental and control groups were statistically significant. .

Milk yield and survival of Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle after laparoscopic correction of left-displaced abomasum

The milk yield and survival of 91 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows that had had a left-displaced abomasum (lda) corrected laparoscopically were compared with those of 193 control cows matched for herd,...

Comparison of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum in on-farm settings

To compare characteristics and results of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via laparotomy in the right paralumbar fossa for the treatment of dairy cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA). Prospective clinical trial. 253 dairy cows with an LDA. All cows that were treated with omentopexy (n = 101) or 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy (152) from July 2005 through December 2006 were included. Presurgical, perisurgical, and postsurgical information was recorded by attending veterinarians. Producers were interviewed by telephone 7 and 60 days after surgery regarding the response of cows to surgery. Characteristics of and responses to the 2 surgical techniques were compared. At 7 days after surgery, the 2 groups of cows were not significantly different with respect to appetite, comfort, and milk yield; at 60 days after surgery, groups were similar with respect to milk yield, cull rates, and risk of relapse of LDA. Antimicrobial treatment in response to postsurgical pyrexia was necessary in only 20.4% (31/152) of cows that were treated with 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy. Mean duration (preparation and surgery) of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy was significantly less than that of omentopexy (36 vs 74 minutes, respectively). Results of 2-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy and omentopexy via laparotomy in the right paralumbar fossa were not significantly different. Compared with omentopexy, laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy was performed more quickly and required postsurgical administration of antimicrobials less frequently. Although these factors may be of economic consequence to veterinarians and producers, other aspects must also be considered when choosing between techniques.

Factors influencing the survival of dairy cows after correction of left displaced abomasum

To determine factors that influenced culling or death of cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) subsequent to correction by a roll-and-toggle (R&T) procedure or via laparotomy. Cohort study. 810 Holstein dairy cows with LDA. Data regarding method of repair and risk factors for survival after correction of LDA were collected during a 1-year period. Outcomes were compared at days 14 and 60 after LDA correction for 3 groups of cattle (veterinarians performed R&T [V-R&T], herd personnel performed R&T [H-R&T], and veterinarians performed surgical repair via laparotomy [V-Surg]). Survival rates 14 days after LDA correction for the V-R&T, H-R&T, and V-Surg groups were 87% (286/329), 81% (327/403), and 85% (66/78), respectively. At 60 days after LDA correction, survival rates for the V-R&T, H-R&T, and V-Surg groups were 79% (260/329), 71% (286/403), and 73% (57/78), respectively. Multivariable analysis indicated that factors positively associated with failure to remain in the herd at 60 days after LDA correction included current mastitis status, history of a previous LDA, high preoperative risk, and correction of LDA by herd personnel rather than by a veterinarian. Correction of LDA by veterinarians via an R&T procedure yielded results that were generally comparable to those for correction by veterinarians via laparotomy. Although survival rates at days 14 and 60 after surgery differed significantly between the V-R&T and H-R&T groups, herd personnel in this study used the R&T procedure to correct LDA and achieved survival rates within the range for those of practicing veterinarians.

Hematological, biochemical and ruminant parameters for diagnosis of left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows from Southern Brazil

The objective of this work was to evaluate hematological, biochemical and ruminant parameters for diagnosis and treatment of the left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows, in the Plateau Region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Ruminant fluid, blood and urine samples were collected from 20 cows suffering LDA and from 20 healthy cows (control). The cows with LDA showed lower values of daily milk production, body weight and corporal condition score. The use of pH reagent strips showed to be functional in the field, when compared to a digital pH meter. Ruminant dynamics was damaged in cows affected by LDA, as it was evidenced by the higher reduction time of methylene blue. Serum values of lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea, albumin, free fatty acids and cholesterol shows to be auxiliary tools in the LDA characterization.

Changes in abdominal dimensions during late gestation and early lactation in Holstein-Friesian heifers and cows and their relationship to left displaced abomasum

The changes in abdominal dimensions and contour during late gestation and early lactation were investigated in 44 Holstein-Friesian cattle, 20 normal heifers and 17 normal cows, and seven cows that...

Experimental oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning in goats: a clinical and pathological study

Dried oleander leaves at single lethal dose of 110 mg/kg body weight were administered orally to five native female goats. Clinical signs of toxicosis in goats began to appear about 1 hr after receiving the oleander and included abdominal pain, ruminal atony and tympany, frequent urination, bradycardia, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, depression, weakness and convulsive movement and death at the end stage. Electrocardiography revealed sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, A-V dissociation, ventricular premature beats, depression of S-T segment, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Four goats died within 4 to 84 hrs and one survived. Haemorrhages in varying degrees in internal organs were observed at necropsy. Histopathology revealed extensive tubular necrosis in kidneys with haemosiderin pigment in the cytoplasm of convoluted tubular cells, varying degrees of coagulative necrosis of cardiac muscle cells associated with haemorrhage and infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, scattered necrosis of hepatocytes, perivascular and perineural oedema, haemorrhagic foci and ischemic cell changes in brain, congestion and oedema in lungs. Severe hyperaemia and infiltration of inflammatory cells were also observed in tissue sections of forestomachs, abomasum and different parts of the intestines.

Evaluation of ornithine carbamoyl transferase and other serum and liver-derived analytes in diagnosis of fatty liver and postsurgical outcome of left-displaced abomasum in dairy cows

To evaluate postsurgical outcome in dairy cows with left-displaced abomasum (LDA) with regard to severity of fatty liver and assess the usefulness of preoperative determination of serum ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) activity, bile acids concentration, and other variables for evaluating liver function during the postsurgical convalescence period. Prospective study. 68 Holstein cows. Blood and liver biopsy specimens were obtained during standing LDA surgery. Liver tissue was examined histologically and classified by severity of fatty change. Serum activities of liver-derived enzymes and concentrations of total lipids, triglycerides, bile acids, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, bilirubin, and nonesterified fatty acids were determined. Most cows with LDA and cows with severe fatty liver were detected within the first month after calving. Postsurgical outcome was related to severity of fatty liver. All cows that died had severe fatty liver. Serum activities of OCT, aspartate aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and serum total bilirubin concentration were sensitive indicators of fatty liver. Serum bile acids concentration was not an accurate indicator of fatty liver. Postsurgical outcome of cows undergoing surgery to correct LDA was related to fatty liver severity. Assessment of serum activities of OCT, aspartate aminotransferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and serum total bilirubin concentration is recommended for diagnosis of fatty liver in dairy cows with LDA, whereas determination of bile acids concentration is not. The strong correlation between OCT activity and degree of hepatocellular damage supports use of this enzyme for assessing severity of fatty liver and predicting postsurgical outcome in cows with LDA.

Comparison of laparoscopic-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of left abomasal displacement in dairy cows

To compare results obtained by use of laparoscopyassisted abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy for the treatment of dairy cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA). 120 dairy cows with an LDA. In a prospective clinical trial, cows were randomly allocated to the abomasopexy group (laparoscopy-assisted abomasopexy) or to the control group (omentopexy via right flank). Data were obtained during the first 5 days after surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. 59 of 60 cows in the abomasopexy group and all 60 cows in the control group were treated successfully. Median duration was shorter for the laparoscopic procedure (27.5 minutes), compared with that for the control group (38 minutes). Five cows in the abomasopexy group had wound complications and 2 had LDA relapses, compared with 2 wound complications and no relapses in the control group. During the 5 days after surgery, the abomasopexy group had a significantly higher increase in rate of energy intake and milk yield and a more rapid return to reference range for serum glutamic dehydrogenase activity and total bilirubin concentration, compared with results for the control group. Success rates were almost equal for both methods. Advantages of the laparoscopic abomasopexy procedure include practicality, low risk of complications, and rapid postoperative recovery. Contraindications are cardiopulmonary diseases. Other disadvantages include the cost of the instruments and inability to perform the procedure in cows with abomasal adhesions.

Ultrasonographic assessment of change in abomasal position during the last three months of gestation and first three months of lactation in Holstein-Friesian cows

To determine changes in abomasal position and dimensions during the last 3 months of gestation and first 3 months of lactation via transabdominal ultrasonography and determine whether surgical correction of left-displaced abomasum (LDA) by right flank omentopexy alters abomasal position within the abdomen in Holstein-Friesian cows. Observational study. 20 heifers and 20 cows with no history of an LDA and 7 cows that had been treated for LDA via right flank omentopexy during an earlier lactation. Procedure-Ultrasonographic measurements were obtained 8 times during the last 3 months of gestation and first 3 months of lactation. Abomasal length, width, and volume were calculated from these measurements. The abomasum was always wider than it was long and located predominantly to the right of the midline. The presence of a right flank omentopexy had no effect on the measured parameters. Abomasal length decreased and width increased during the last 3 months of gestation, resulting in a more transverse orientation of the abomasum within the abdomen. These changes appeared to be in response to cranial expansion of the gravid uterus. The abomasum returned to a more caudal and right sagittal position within 14 days after parturition. Abomasal dimensions, position, and volume change markedly during the last 3 months of gestation and first 3 months of lactation. Results permit detection of abnormal abomasal position in ill cows and indicate that the preferred location for abomasopexy is 20 cm caudal to the xiphoid process and 5 to 10 cm to the right of the ventral mid-line.

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.

Comparison of the odds of isolation, genotypes, and in vivo production of major toxins by Clostridium perfringens obtained from the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cows with hemorrhagic bowel syndrome or left-displaced abomasum

To compare the frequency of isolation, genotypes, and in vivo production of major lethal toxins of Clostridium perfringens in adult dairy cows affected with hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS) versus left-displaced abomasum (LDA). Case-control study. 10 adult dairy cattle with HBS (cases) and 10 adult dairy cattle with LDA matched with cases by herd of origin (controls). Samples of gastrointestinal contents were obtained from multiple sites during surgery or necropsy examination. Each sample underwent testing for anaerobic bacteria by use of 3 culture methods. The genotype of isolates of C. perfringens was determined via multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Major lethal toxins were detected by use of an ELISA. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression and chi2 analysis. C. perfringens type A and type A with the beta2 gene (A + beta2) were the only genotypes isolated. Isolation of C. perfringens type A and type A + beta2 was 6.56 and 3.3 times as likely, respectively, to occur in samples from cattle with HBS than in cattle with LDA. Alpha toxin was detected in 7 of 36 samples from cases and in 0 of 32 samples from controls. Beta2 toxin was detected in 9 of 36 samples from cases and 0 of 36 samples from controls. C. perfringens type A and type A + beta2 can be isolated from the gastrointestinal tract with significantly greater odds in cattle with HBS than in herdmates with LDA. Alpha and beta2 toxins were detected in samples from cows with HBS but not from cows with LDA.

Routine surgical procedures in dairy cattle under field conditions: Abomasal surgery, dehorning, and tail docking

This article discusses the different methods used for the correction of left displaced abomasum. The advantages, disadvantages, and success rates of each technique are reviewed. The most common complications are described, and the economics of repeat surgery after a failed left displaced abomasum repair are examined. This article also addresses the need for anesthesia when dehorning and tail docking dairy cattle. The justifications for routine use of these two procedures are discussed, mainly from an animal welfare standpoint.

Metabolic Predictors of Displaced Abomasum in Dairy Cattle

The objective of this field study was to identify metabolic tests available in clinical practice that identified cows at increased risk of left displaced abomasum (LDA). A technician visited 1044 cows in 20 herds weekly from 1wk before expected calving until 1wk postpartum. Cows were assigned a body condition score and samples were collected at each visit for measurement of serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, urea, calcium, and phosphorus, and a milk sample was collected postpartum for measurement of BHBA. The probability of LDA was modeled with multivariable logistic regression accounting for clustering. There were 53 cases of LDA (incidence risk = 5.1%) and the median time of diagnosis was 11 d in milk. In cows with LDA, mean NEFA concentrations began to diverge from the mean in cows without LDA 14 d before calving, whereas mean serum BHBA concentrations did not diverge until the day of calving. Prepartum, only NEFA concentration was associated with risk of subsequent LDA. Between 0 and 6 d before calving, cows with NEFA concentration ≥0.5mEq/L were 3.6 times more likely to develop LDA after calving. For prospective application, among samples taken 4 to 10 d before expected calving, the optimum NEFA cut-point remained 0.5mEq/L. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio (LR) were 46%, 82%, and 2.6, respectively. Between 1 and 7 d postpartum, retained placenta, metritis, and increasing serum concentrations of BHBA and NEFA were associated with increased risk of subsequent LDA. However, considered separately, postpartum serum BHBA was a more sensitive and specific test than NEFA concentration. The odds of LDA were 8 times greater in cows with serum BHBA ≥1200μmol/L (LR=3.5). Cows with milk BHBA concentration ≥200μmol/L were 3.4 times more likely to develop LDA. Serum calcium concentration was not associated with LDA. Strategic use of metabolic tests to monitor transition dairy cows should focus on NEFA in the last week prepartum and BHBA in the first week postpartum.

Use of the d-Xylose Absorption Test to Measure Abomasal Emptying Rate in Healthy Lactating Holstein-Friesian Cows and in Cows with Left Displaced Abomasum or Abomasal Volvulus

We determined the abomasal emptying rates of Holstein-Friesian cows at different stages of lactation, with left displaced abomasum (LDA), or immediately after surgical correction of LDA or abomasal volvulus (AV). D-xylose (0.5 g/kg body weight [BW], 50% solution) was injected into the abomasum in healthy cows (group 1, 4-7 days in milk [DIM], n = 7; group 2, 90-120 DIM, n = 7; group 3, > 300 DIM, n = 7) and in cows with LDA (n = 10; group 4). D-xylose was injected into the abomasum during right flank laparotomy in cows with LDA (n = 22; group 5) and cows with AV (n = 15; group 6). The time to maximal serum D-xylose concentration was used as an index of emptying rate. The abomasal emptying rates for cows in groups 1, 2, and 3 were similar, whereas emptying was slower in cows with LDA and in cows after surgical correction of LDA or AV. The abomasal emptying rate of cows with LDA was slowed to a greater extent immediately after surgery, when compared to the rate obtained before surgery. There was no difference in abomasal emptying rate immediately after surgical correction between cows with LDA or AV. The results indicate that the increased incidence of LDA in the first month of lactation is not associated with an intrinsic decrease in abomasal emptying rate in healthy cows. Our findings also demonstrate that surgical correction further slows the emptying rate in cows with LDA.

Phosphorus Homeostasis in Dairy Cows with Abomasal Displacement or Abomasal Volvulus

Abnormal phosphorus homeostasis occurs in dairy cows with an abomasal displacement or volvulus. The goal of this study was to identify potential mechanisms for hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). Accordingly, the results of preoperative clinicopathologic analyses for 1,368 dairy cows with an LDA (n = 1,189), RDA, or AV (n = 179) (data set 1) and for 44 cows with an AV (data set 2) were retrieved. Laboratory values were compared by Student's t-tests, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Thirty-four percent of the animals from data set 1 (463/1,368) were hypophosphatemic (serum phosphorus concentration ([Pi]) < 1.4 mmol/L), and 9% (122/1,368) were hyperphosphatemic ([Pi] >2.3 mmol/L). Serum [Pi] was significantly lower (P < .05) in cows with an LDA (1.60 +/- 0.53 mmol/L; mean +/- SD) than in cows with an RDA or AV (1.85 +/- 0.68 mmol/L). For cows with an LDA, [Pi] was correlated with serum urea nitrogen concentration ([SUN]) (r = 0.34) and serum concentration of magnesium ([Mg]) (r = 0.20). For cows with an RDA or AV, linear correlations existed between [Pi] and [SUN] (r = 0.45), [Mg] (r = 0.43), and serum chloride concentration ([Cl]) (r = -0.27). Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that low [SUN] and the diagnosis of an LDA had the strongest associations with hypophosphatemia. In cows with hyperphosphatemia, [Pi] was most strongly associated with azotemia. In cows with an AV, the strongest correlations with [Pi] were found for [SUN] and serum creatinine. We conclude that hypophosphatemia in cows with an LDA is primarily due to decreased feed intake. In contrast, hyperphosphatemia in cattle with an RDA or AV appears to result from dehydration and decreased renal blood flow.

Insulin resistance and abomasal motility disorders in cows detected by use of abomasoduodenal electromyography after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

To determine the correlation between insulin concentrations and myoelectrical activity of the abomasum in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA). 14 dairy cows with an LDA at the onset of lactation. During surgical correction of an LDA, 3 pairs of electrodes were placed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract (abomasal body, pars pylorica, and duodenum) of each cow. Electromyographic recordings were obtained once per day for 7 days. Samples were collected and tested to determine concentrations of insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. All 14 cattle had high glucose and insulin concentrations at the time of admission, independent of ketosis. Concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased slowly after surgical treatment and were associated with a progressive increase in abomasoduodenal myoelectric activity. The 14 cows were allocated into 2 groups (suspected insulin-resistant cattle, n = 7; suspected non-insulin-resistant cattle, 7) on the basis of persistent hyperinsulinemia during the postoperative period. Seven days after surgery, the abomasoduodenal myoelectric patterns were still significantly lower for the insulin-resistant cows, compared with patterns for the non-insulin-resistant cows. Insulin resistance appears to be common in cows with an LDA. Analysis of results of this study reveals that abomasal atony in cows with an LDA depends on persistence of high serum concentrations of insulin. Results of this study could provide an explanation for a pathogenetic factor of LDAs and the frequent relapses of cattle affected by this condition.

Johne's Disease as a Probable Cause for Higher Culling Rate in Cows with Left Displaced Abomasum and Diarrhea in a Dairy Herd in Iran

According to a few previous reports, cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) presenting with diarrhea respond less favorably to surgery and appear to be at a greater risk of removal from the herd compared to cows presenting with normal feces. However, there is a paucity of information in the literature about the probable relationship of Johne's disease (JD) to the higher culling rate.

Retrospective Study Comparing Three Surgical Techniques for Correction of Left Abomasal Displacements in Lactating Dairy Cattle (1999-2003)

Several surgical techniques have been advocated for correction of left displaced abomasum in cattle. A retrospective study was performed to compare three surgical techniques for fixation of left abomasal displacements in lactating dairy cattle. The right flank omentopexy, omento-abomasopexy (omento-pyloropexy) and the left flank abomasopexy were compared. We hypothesized that there was a significant difference between the success rates of these three techniques. Differences in success were measured by comparing the milk production of the cattle before and after surgery. The objective of the study was to assess ifthere is a significant advantage of one surgical technique over another.