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


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
810 Holstein dairy cows with LDA.


METHODS
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]).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Sterner
Keith E
KE
Sterner Veterinary Clinic PC, Ionia, MI 48846, USA.
Grymer
Jorgen
J
Bartlett
Paul C
PC
Miekstyn
Michele J
MJ
D000018:Abomasum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D012307:Risk Factors; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*