Comparison of abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and perfusion of the abomasum in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus

OBJECTIVE: To compare abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and perfusion of the abomasum in dairy cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA) or abomasal volvulus (AV). ANIMALS: 40 lactating dairy cows (25 with an LDA and 15 with an AV). PROCEDURE: Abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume and pulse oximetry values for the caudal portion of the dorsal ruminal sac and abomasal wall were measured during laparotomy. Abomasal perfusion was assessed on the basis of abomasal O2 saturation (pulse oximetry) before correction of the LDA or AV. Abomasal perfusion was also assessed after correction of the LDA or AV by measuring venous O2 saturation in the right gastroepiploic vein and calculating the abomasal oxygen-extraction ratio. RESULTS: Abomasal luminal gas pressure and volume were higher in cattle with an AV than in cattle with an LDA. Abomasal O2 saturation was lower and abomasal oxygen-extraction ratio higher in cattle with an AV, compared with values in cattle with an LDA. In cows with an AV, lactate concentration in the gastroepiploic vein was greater than that in a jugular vein, whereas no difference in lactate concentrations was detected in cows with an LDA. Abomasal luminal gas pressure was positively correlated (r, 0.51) with plasma lactate concentration in the gastroepiploic vein and negatively correlated (r, -0.32) with abomasal O2 saturation determined by use of pulse oximetry. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal perfusion decreases as luminal pressure increases in cattle with an AV or LDA.     

Serum Amyloid A and Haptoglobin Concentrations and Liver Fat Percentage in Lactating Dairy Cows with Abomasal Displacement

Background: There has been increased interest in measuring the serum concentration of acute phase reactants such as serum amyloid A [SAA] and haptoglobin [haptoglobin] in periparturient cattle in order to provide a method for detecting the presence of inflammation or bacterial infection.
Objectives: To determine whether [SAA] and [haptoglobin] are increased in cows with displaced abomasum as compared with healthy dairy cows.
Animals: Fifty-four adult dairy cows in early lactation that had left displaced abomasum (LDA, n = 34), right displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus (RDA/AV, n = 11), or were healthy on physical examination (control, n = 9).
Materials and Methods: Inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections such as mastitis, metritis, or pneumonia were not clinically apparent in any animal. Jugular venous blood was obtained from all cows and analyzed. Liver samples were obtained by biopsy in cattle with abomasal displacement.
Results: [SAA] and [haptoglobin] concentrations were increased in cows with LDA or RDA/AV as compared with healthy controls. Cows with displaced abomasum had mild to moderate hepatic lipidosis, based on liver fat percentages of 9.3 ± 5.3% (mean ± SD, LDA) and 10.8 ± 7.7% (RDA/AV). [SAA] and [haptoglobin] were most strongly associated with liver fat percentage, r _s=+0.55 ( P < .0001) and r _s=+0.42 ( P = .0041), respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] in postparturient dairy cows with LDA or RDA/AV is not specific for inflammation or bacterial infection. An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] may indicate the presence of hepatic lipidosis in cattle with abomasal displacement.     

Abomasal displacement and volvulus in beef cattle: 19 cases (1988-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To assess signalment, history, results of clinical and laboratory testing, and outcome for beef cattle with a left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 19 beef cattle with an AV, LDA, or RDA. PROCEDURE: Signalment; history; results of physical examination, diagnostic testing, and surgical exploration; and condition of the animal at discharge were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Fourteen cattle had an AV, 4 had an RDA, and 1 had an LDA. Duration of clinical signs ranged from 1 to 21 days. Eighteen cattle had an AV or RDA; 7 were Brahmans, 12 were males, and median age was 10 months. Abdominal distention was observed in 11 cattle, heart rate of > or = 100 beats/minute was detected in 14, and the abomasum was palpable per rectum in all cattle in which per rectal examination was performed. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hyperglycemia, azotemia, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia were common laboratory findings. At surgery, 3 cattle with an AV or RDA had a ruptured abomasum. Of the remaining 15 cattle, 12 survived. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical course in beef cattle with an AV or RDA was more protracted than that typically associated with these conditions in dairy cattle, but survival rate in beef cattle that did not have rupture of the abomasum was similar to that of dairy cattle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abomasal displacement should be considered for beef cattle with abdominal distention. Prognostic indicators recommended for use in dairy cattle may not be useful for beef cattle.     

Prevalence of endotoxemia in healthy postparturient dairy cows and cows with abomasal volvulus or left displaced abomasum

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) and abomasal volvulus (AV) occur most commonly in postparturient dairy cows. Our main hypothesis was that endotoxemia occurred more frequently in the peripheral blood of cows with LDA or AV than in healthy cows because increased luminal pressure in AV or LDA, or the presence of a hemorrhagic strangulating obstruction in AV, may have injured the abomasal mucosa, thereby facilitating translocation of luminal endotoxin into the circulation. Therefore, our main objective was to compare the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in healthy postparturient cows with the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in cows with AV and LDA. We examined 60 adult dairy cows in early lactation that were diagnosed with AV (n = 15) or LDA (n = 15) or were healthy on physical examination (control group, n = 30). Jugular venous blood was obtained from cows in all 3 groups, and right gastroepiploic venous blood was obtained during surgical correction of AV and LDA immediately after repositioning of the abomasum. Platelet-rich plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured with a chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Endotoxin was detected in jugular vein plasma in 50% (15/30) of control cows; however, the prevalence of endotoxemia was significantly lower (P < .05) in cows with AV (7%, 1/15) or LDA (20%, 3/15). Endotoxin was detected simultaneously in right gastroepiploic and jugular vein plasma in only 1 cow with LDA and 0 cows with AV. Contrary to our hypothesis, we conclude that endotoxemia is infrequently present in postparturient dairy cows with AV or LDA.     

Right displacement of the abomasum and abomasal volvulus in dairy cows: 458 cases (1980-1987)

Clinical and surgical findings in 458 dairy cows with right displacement of the abomasum or abomasal volvulus (AV) were analyzed to determine the association between these variables and the outcome (productive, salvaged, or terminal) of the affected cow. Heart rate at initial examination was higher in the salvaged and terminal groups of cows (P less than 0.0001) than in the productive group. The plasma Na+ concentration was lower in the salvaged and terminal groups of cows (P less than 0.0001) than in the productive group. The plasma C1- concentration was lower in the salvaged group of cows than in cows with either productive or terminal outcomes (P less than 0.0001). Anion gap was significantly higher (P less than 0.0001) in the salvaged and terminal groups than in cows classified as productive. On the basis of surgical findings, cattle with right displacement of the abomasum were more likely to survive than cows with AV. Cows that required fluid decompression of the abomasum via abomasotomy were less likely to survive than those in which gaseous decompression was performed. Cows with evidence of vascular compromise of the abomasal wall were less likely to survive than those with normal abomasal serosa. Preoperative heart rate and anion gap had positive correlations with the presence of abomasal necrosis, whereas temperature, venous blood pH, plasma bicarbonate, and base excess concentrations had negative correlations. Cows in terminal stages of AV were likely to have a mixed primary acid-base disturbance, consisting of metabolic alkalosis with superimposed metabolic acidosis. These findings were highly correlated with abomasal necrosis.     

Phosphorus homeostasis in dairy cows with abomasal displacement or abomasal volvulus

Abnormal phosphorus homeostasis occurs in dairy cows with an abomasal displacement or volvulus. The goal of this study was to identify potential mechanisms for hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA), right displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). Accordingly, the results of preoperative clinicopathologic analyses for 1,368 dairy cows with an LDA (n = 1,189), RDA, or AV (n = 179) (data set 1) and for 44 cows with an AV (data set 2) were retrieved. Laboratory values were compared by Student's t-tests, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. Thirty-four percent of the animals from data set 1 (463/1,368) were hypophosphatemic (serum phosphorus concentration ([Pi]) < 1.4 mmol/L), and 9% (122/1,368) were hyperphosphatemic ([Pi] >2.3 mmol/L). Serum [Pi] was significantly lower (P < .05) in cows with an LDA (1.60 +/- 0.53 mmol/L; mean +/- SD) than in cows with an RDA or AV (1.85 +/- 0.68 mmol/L). For cows with an LDA, [Pi] was correlated with serum urea nitrogen concentration ([SUN]) (r = 0.34) and serum concentration of magnesium ([Mg]) (r = 0.20). For cows with an RDA or AV, linear correlations existed between [Pi] and [SUN] (r = 0.45), [Mg] (r = 0.43), and serum chloride concentration ([Cl]) (r = -0.27). Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that low [SUN] and the diagnosis of an LDA had the strongest associations with hypophosphatemia. In cows with hyperphosphatemia, [Pi] was most strongly associated with azotemia. In cows with an AV, the strongest correlations with [Pi] were found for [SUN] and serum creatinine. We conclude that hypophosphatemia in cows with an LDA is primarily due to decreased feed intake. In contrast, hyperphosphatemia in cattle with an RDA or AV appears to result from dehydration and decreased renal blood flow.     

Use of the D-xylose absorption test to measure abomasal emptying rate in healthy lactating Holstein-Friesian cows and in cows with left displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus

We determined the abomasal emptying rates of Holstein-Friesian cows at different stages of lactation, with left displaced abomasum (LDA), or immediately after surgical correction of LDA or abomasal volvulus (AV). D-xylose (0.5 g/kg body weight [BW], 50% solution) was injected into the abomasum in healthy cows (group 1, 4-7 days in milk [DIM], n = 7; group 2, 90-120 DIM, n = 7; group 3, > 300 DIM, n = 7) and in cows with LDA (n = 10; group 4). D-xylose was injected into the abomasum during right flank laparotomy in cows with LDA (n = 22; group 5) and cows with AV (n = 15; group 6). The time to maximal serum D-xylose concentration was used as an index of emptying rate. The abomasal emptying rates for cows in groups 1, 2, and 3 were similar, whereas emptying was slower in cows with LDA and in cows after surgical correction of LDA or AV. The abomasal emptying rate of cows with LDA was slowed to a greater extent immediately after surgery, when compared to the rate obtained before surgery. There was no difference in abomasal emptying rate immediately after surgical correction between cows with LDA or AV. The results indicate that the increased incidence of LDA in the first month of lactation is not associated with an intrinsic decrease in abomasal emptying rate in healthy cows. Our findings also demonstrate that surgical correction further slows the emptying rate in cows with LDA.     

Etiology and prophylaxis of reperfusion injuries]

In recent years the importance of oxyradicals in clinical veterinary medicine is incessantly grown. An important example in cattle breeding is the displaced abomasum in dairy cows. The antioxidative status of the animals is representable by means of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood. Post operationem the activity of SOD decreased very fast. In cows with left abomasal displacement this activity increased within 24 hours to the starting level, but in cows with right abomasal displacement the SOD-activity in this period increased only insignificantly. Because of the low level of SOD-activity in blood serum the measuring should take place in erythrocyte lysate. Today there are many possibilities of therapeutical intervention of reperfusion injury, but their clinical efficiency has to be ascertained. The treatment of cows with displaced abomasum with ascorbate, tocopherole or prednisolone before the replacement of the abomasum shows first success in terms of the antioxidative and metabolic status.     

Prognostic value of plasma L-lactate concentration measured cow-side with a portable clinical analyzer in Holstein dairy cattle with abomasal disorders

BACKGROUND: L-Lactate has been used as a prognostic indicator for ill humans and animals. A portable analyzer that measures L-lactate could help veterinarians decide to proceed with correction of a displaced abomasum. HYPOTHESES: The likelihood of a dairy cow with a displaced abomasum remaining in the herd can be predicted by lactate concentration and other variables. ANIMALS: Thirty-four healthy early-lactation dairy cows, and 131 cows with abomasal displacements (DA) presented to Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. METHODS: Plasma L-lactate was measured using a commercial analyzer (i-STAT). A cow had a positive outcome (PO) if she remained in the herd 30 days after surgical correction of the displaced abomasum and a negative outcome (NO) if she was culled or died in that time. A multivariable model with physical examination and clinicopathologic variables for predicting NO for cows with right-sided abomasal displacements was constructed. RESULTS: The median plasma L-lactate was 0.54 mM/L (interquartile range, 0.42-0.74) in healthy lactating Holstein cows. In cows with right-sided displaced abomasa, median plasma L-lactate concentrations were higher in cows with NO (5.88 mM/L) versus PO (3.23 mM/L) (P = .002). In a multivariable model, which identified chloride, heart rate, and L-lactate as the best fitting variables for cows with right-sided displacements, the probability of NO increased as L-lactate increased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Plasma L-lactate concentration might be a useful predictor of productive outcomes in cows with right-sided abomasal disorders.     

Peritoneal fluid analysis in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum and abomasal volvulus

Peritoneal fluid (PF) was evaluated in 40 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) and 15 cows with abomasal volvulus (AV). PF was obtained by abdominocentesis at the right ventral abdomen at admission. Simultaneously, a blood sample was taken from the jugular vein. Biochemical and cytological variables in blood and PF specific for ischaemia, inflammation and cell damage were compared. Total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol were normal in PF of cows with LDA and AV. Although L-lactate increased in both groups, cows with AV had significantly higher values (LDA: 1.47/0.69/2.68 mmol/l; AV: 6.45/4.55/12.89 mmol/l (median/1. quartile/3. quartile)). D-dimer (LDA: 0.50/0.22/0.88 mg/l; AV: 1.11/0.40/1.85 mg/l) and LDH (LDA: 663/437/943 U/l; AV: 1099/750/1439 U/l) were only increased in PF of cows with AV. The number of leucocytes was normal; however, significantly more peritoneal neutrophils appeared necrotic or apoptotic after AV. PF of cows with abomasal displacement showed distinctive features of ischaemia and inflammation. Characteristics of haemostatic dysfunction and cell damage were mainly evident in PF of cows with AV. The results suggest that anti-inflammatory therapy is indicated in each cow with abomasal displacement. Additionally, medical treatment should be directed to prevent complications of ischaemia and reperfusion in cows with AV.     

Insulin resistance and abomasal motility disorders in cows detected by use of abomasoduodenal electromyography after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between insulin concentrations and myoelectrical activity of the abomasum in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA). ANIMALS: 14 dairy cows with an LDA at the onset of lactation. PROCEDURE: During surgical correction of an LDA, 3 pairs of electrodes were placed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract (abomasal body, pars pylorica, and duodenum) of each cow. Electromyographic recordings were obtained once per day for 7 days. Samples were collected and tested to determine concentrations of insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. RESULTS: All 14 cattle had high glucose and insulin concentrations at the time of admission, independent of ketosis. Concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased slowly after surgical treatment and were associated with a progressive increase in abomasoduodenal myoelectric activity. The 14 cows were allocated into 2 groups (suspected insulin-resistant cattle, n = 7; suspected non-insulin-resistant cattle, 7) on the basis of persistent hyperinsulinemia during the postoperative period. Seven days after surgery, the abomasoduodenal myoelectric patterns were still significantly lower for the insulin-resistant cows, compared with patterns for the non-insulin-resistant cows. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Insulin resistance appears to be common in cows with an LDA. Analysis of results of this study reveals that abomasal atony in cows with an LDA depends on persistence of high serum concentrations of insulin. Results of this study could provide an explanation for a pathogenetic factor of LDAs and the frequent relapses of cattle affected by this condition.     

Cross-sectional study of the association of abomasal displacement or volvulus with serum electrolyte and mineral concentrations in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate serum mineral and electrolyte concentrations at the time of on-farm diagnosis of left displaced abomasum, right displaced abomasum, or abomasal volvulus in dairy cows. Data were collected from 104 affected cows and 96 control cows matched with cases, based on herd, parity, and stage of lactation. Cows with abomasal displacement or volvulus had significantly lower calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, and chloride concentrations and increased anion gap at the time of diagnosis compared with control cows from the same herds. The percentages of cases and controls with total serum calcium concentrations below the lower limit of the laboratory reference range (2.08 mmol/L [8.3 mg/dL]) were 70% and 23%, respectively. Based on the large percentage of cases with hypocalcemia, administering calcium salts at the time of treatment of field cases of abomasal displacement or volvulus may be beneficial.     

A comparison in 101 dairy cows of right paralumbar fossa omentopexy and right paramedian abomasopexy for treatment of left displacement of the abomasum

Right paramedian abomasopexy and right paralumbar fossa omentopexy appear to be the most widely used means of correcting left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cattle. We compared these two procedures in a prospective study of 101 cows with uncomplicated left displaced abomasum. The surgical treatment (right paramedian abomasopexy, n = 48; or right paralumbar fossa omentopexy, n = 53) was assigned randomly. Follow-up information was obtained, at regular intervals, from one week through six months following discharge from the hospital. Milk production, reproductive performance, surgical complications, and length of time retained in the herd after surgery were obtained for each animal. There was a trend in favor of the abomasopexy group in the one-month milk yield. There were no differences between procedures either in incisional complications, other problems noted at follow-up, or in the proportion dead/culled. Based on the milk yield at one month after surgery, we concluded that there may be a slight advantage to right paramedian abomasopexy in cows with uncomplicated left displaced abomasum.     

Short communication: ultrasonographic examination of the abomasal position in dairy cows during the peripartal period

The objective of this study was to document the abomasal position during the peripartal period by ultrasonographic measurement to get more data about the topographic dynamic. In 12 dairy cows the abomasal position was measured daily from the 5th day before calving up to the 5th day after calving by a transabdominal ultrasonographic examination (5 MHz convex transducer). The abomasal position was described by means of 3 measured distances: (a) the distance between the cranial margin of the abomasum and the xiphoid cartilage, (b) the distance between the right margin of the abomasum and the median line and (c) the distance between the left margin of the abomasum and the median line. Prepartal the abomasal position was different from the position during the postpartal period. Its position was more cranially (p < 0.05) and more right laterally (p < 0.05). The left margin was not detectable at the left side of the mid-line ante partum. Directly after calving the left margin of the abomasum was found left of the linea alba (p < 0.05). These results show that there is a great influence of the gravid uterus on the abomasal position. The abomasum is positioned more cranially and more right lateral during the end of pregnancy. This position changes immediately after calving.     

Abomasal volvulus in cattle following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling

Seven adult cows developed abomasal volvulus immediately following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling. Three cows were rolled to provide temporary relief from left displaced abomasum because of concurrent disease and 4 were rolled as the principal therapy for left displacement. In each animal surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was accomplished via right paralumbar fossa celiotomy and inclusion of an omentopexy during abdominal closure. Surgery was performed within 24 hours of casting and rolling. All 7 cows recovered after surgery and were reported to have satisfactory milk production and appetite 6 weeks later.     

奶牛真胃变位研究进展

奶牛真胃变位是危害集约化养牛尤其是高产奶牛的多发腹腔疾病之一。据变位部位不同又可分为左方变位和右方变位。本病的病因及发病机制目前尚无一致性结论：右方变位的临床症状比左方变位严重且病程较急;具有典型的示病症状,不难做出诊断;有保守治疗和手术治疗两种治疗方法,而对于右方变位手术治疗几乎是唯一的治疗方法;加强饲养管理、合理预防和及时治疗原发病可有效降低其发病率。     

Glucose tolerance test during abomaso-duodenal electromyography in three cows operated for left displaced abomasum

The objective of the study was to analyze glucose metabolism and abomasal myoelectrical activity during an intravenous glucose tolerance test in cows operated for LDA. Three dairy cows, at the onset of lactation, suffering from left displaced abomasum were selected from the animals presented at the clinic. During surgical therapy, one pair of electrodes was placed in the smooth muscle of the abomasal body, the pars pylorica and the duodenum respectively. The animals were subjected to electromyography on five occasions during hospital admittance (Days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 post-operative); their insulin, glucagon, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA levels were then measured. Two days after surgery, the animals were subjected to an intravenous glucose load (300 g glucose in 30 min) during abomaso-duodenal electromyography. The findings indicate that the three animals had glucose metabolism disorders during hospitalization. The abomaso-duodenal myoelectric activity of Cows 1 and 3 was lower than in Cow 2. During the glucose load, the analysis of hormones and metabolites showed that there were different degrees of reactivity and that myoelectric activity differed in the 3 cows. The results of the study suggest that despite the surgical reposition of the abomasum, disorders of abomasal motility persist in different degrees in cows operated for LDA and could be influenced by glucose administrations.     

Effects of abdominal surgery on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and plasma anti-oxidative capacity in dairy cows

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of surgical stress on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in dairy cows. Ten Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, mean age 5.26 years, admitted for treatment of left abomasal displacement (omentopexy), were used in our study. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein prior to surgery, immediately and then 15, 30, 60, 90 min, and 2, 5, 10, and 24 h after reposition of abomasum. Surgical stress resulted in a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.001) with the highest mean levels 15 min after surgery (32.4 +/- 18.1 microg/l) as well as in serum levels of glucose (P < 0.001) and non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.001). Similarly, surgery transiently enhanced the plasma levels of TBARS (P < 0.001). The highest TBARS plasma levels (0.91 +/- 0.18 micromol/l) were recognized 60 min after reposition of abomasums. There were no significant differences in FRAP in dairy cows before and after reposition of abomasum. In conclusion, these data indicate that stress reaction caused by surgical correction of left displacement of abomasum can be associated with higher production of TBARS.     

Complications of blind-stitch abomasopexy: 20 cases (1980-1985)

Over a 5-year period, 20 adult Holstein cows were admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine because of complications following blind-stitch percutaneous abomasopexy for correction of left-displaced abomasum. Of the 20 cows, 16 were treated surgically, 2 were treated medically, and 2 were admitted to the pathology service for necropsy. Complications associated with the blind-stitch technique included peritonitis, cellulitis, abomasal displacement or evisceration, complete forestomach obstruction, and thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous abdominal vein. Because of the various complications associated with blind-stitch percutaneous abomasopexy, we concluded that it is not an appropriate procedure for correction of left displaced abomasum in valuable cattle, but may be used as an alternative for salvage in less valuable cows.     

Left abomasal displacement and ulceration in an eight-week-old calf

Left displacement of the abomasum was diagnosed radiographically in an 8-week-old female Friesian calf. At surgery, a 4 cm ulcer was repaired and an abomasopexy performed during closure of the abdomen. Recovery from surgery was slow, and regurgitation of rumen contents occurred. Despite medical treatment, the calf died 4 days later. Left abomasal displacement is a well documented disease of dairy cattle (Robertson 1968; Coppock 1974; Martin et al 1978a; Poulsen 1976), but in young calves the condition is rare (Dirksen 1981). This report describes a case of left abomasal displacement with ulceration in an 8-week-old female Friesian calf.