Dilatação e torção de ceco associada à obstrução por fitobezoar em bezerra / Cecal dilatation and torsion associated with phytobezoar obstruction in a heifer

ABSTRACT

Background: Dilatation of the cecum associated with intestinal torsion is a fermentative digestive disease that has a lowoccurrence in veterinary medicine, particularly in large animal practice. This condition is most prevalent in dairy cattle.The etiology of this digestive system disorder is related to changes in nutritional management. As it is an uncommoncondition that is frequently observed in the practice of veterinary medicine, the objective of this report was to describe acase of dilatation and torsion of the cecum associated with phytobezoar obstruction in a heifer that was examined at theVeterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (HOVET-UFRPE), Recife, Brazil.Case A 55-day-old heifer, with a history of abdominal distension associated with difficulty feeding and neurological signsof hind limb paresis, intentional head tremors, and prostration, was examined at the HOVET-UFRPE large animal clinic.A clinical examination demonstrated the presence of enophthalmos, abdominal distension, pale coloration of the ocularmucous membranes, and a moderate level of dehydration (3%). The dehydration was treated through the administrationof 1.150 L of saline solution along with 6 mL of Bionew (Vetnil®), 15 mL of calcium solution, and 5 mL of 50% glucose.Subsequently, the animal underwent intestinal washing through the insertion of an oral probe, which resulted in the expulsion of putrid content. Afterward, the animal’s blood was collected and sent to the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of theDepartment of Veterinary Medicine at HOVET-UFRPE for a complete blood count...