[Clinico-surgical study of abomasal disorders in the calf]

ABSTRACT

During a period of ten year [1981 - 1990] the total of 14 cases of abomasal disorders in calves up to 6 months of age such as left abomasal displacement [n= 2], abomasal tympany with right displacement [n= 3], abomasal torsion [approx 360°] [n= 1], abomasal impaction [n= 6] and incarcerated abomaso umbilicus [n= 2] were diagnosed clinically and treated surgically. In most cases, abdominal pain and distention, abdominal fluid and/or metallic sounds and suspended or altered defaecation were seen and the condition was confirmed throughout the exploratory laparotomy. Thirteen cases were cured successfully after surgical intervention but one case of abomasal tympany was died due to intestinal blockage. With respect to the infrequency of abomasal disorders in calves, they need to be recognized and treated promptly if a successful outcome is to be obtained