Indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle: 95 cases (1999-2011).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
95 cattle that underwent rumenotomy or rumenostomy.


METHODS
Medical records for 95 cattle that underwent either rumenostomy or rumenotomy at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals in 1999 through 2011 were analyzed. Reasons for the procedures were noted. Long-term outcome was determined during telephone interviews with owners.


RESULTS
42 (44%) bovids underwent rumenostomy and 53 (56%) bovids underwent rumenotomy. Among the 42 animals undergoing rumenostomy, 18 (43%) had rumen cannulas placed during elective procedures. Other indications for rumenostomy included ruminal tympany (bloat [n = 20]), esophageal obstruction (choke [1]), grain overload (1), and provision of access for administration of enteral nutrition (2). Indications for rumenotomy included traumatic reticuloperitonitis (n = 31), bloat (9), foreign body (6), choke (5), and other (2). Long-term follow-up data were available for 31 of 42 (74%) bovids that underwent rumenostomy. Of those 31 animals, 17 (55%) were still in the herd, 4 (13%) had been culled, and 10 (32%) had died or were euthanized. Long-term follow-up data were available for 38 of 53 (72%) bovids that underwent rumenotomy. Of those 38 animals, 13 (34%) were still in the herd, 14 (37%) had been culled, and 11 (29%) had died or been euthanized.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that rumenotomy and rumenostomy can be effective in treating or relieving complications secondary to forestomach disorders in cattle. Bovids undergoing rumen surgery had a favorable prognosis for survival and a fair prognosis for potential return to production.
Amanda K
AK
Hartnack
Andrew J
AJ
Niehaus
Marjolaine
M
Rousseau
Rebecca L
RL
Pentecost
Matt D
MD
Miesner
David E
DE
Anderson
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012417:Rumen / Q000601:surgery*; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*