Abomasal impaction in Holstein-Friesian cows: 80 cases (1980-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical examination findings, clinicopathologic abnormalities, and outcome of treatment in dairy cattle with abomasal impaction.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
80 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows > or = 2 years old.


METHODS
Medical records of cattle with abomasal impaction admitted between 1980 and 2003 were retrieved, and data were extracted.


RESULTS
All cows were reported to have decreased food intake; concurrent diseases were identified in 54 (68%). Seventeen cows did not have detectable ruminal motility, but physical examination findings were nonspecific and variable. In general, cattle had mild hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hyperglycemia, but serum potassium and chloride concentrations were typically within reference limits. Fifty-five (69%) cattle had impaction of the pyloric antrum alone, and 25 (31%) had impaction of the abomasal body and pyloric antrum. Right flank laparotomy and abomasal massage were performed in 73 cattle. After surgery, 54 (74%) cattle received 3 to 4 L of mineral oil, PO, daily for 1 to 5 days. Short-term (ie, discharged from the hospital) survival rate was significantly higher for cows with impaction of the pyloric antrum alone (42/45 [93%]) than for cows with impaction of the body and antrum (12/24 [50%]).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that physical examination findings and results of serum biochemical analyses do not facilitate the diagnosis of abomasal impaction in lactating Holstein cows and that exploratory right flank laparotomy is necessary to make the diagnosis. Abomasal impaction should be considered as a differential diagnosis for inappetence and poor milk production in lactating dairy cows.
Wittek
Thomas
T
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
Constable
Peter D
PD
Morin
Dawn E
DE
D000018:Abomasum; D000818:Animals; D001066:Appetite; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*