Obstruction of the descending colon due to torsion of the cecum through a mesocolic defect in a cow

A cow was evaluated for acute onset of abdominal pain and decreased milk production. Physical examination revealed narrowing of the descending colon. Exploratory laparotomy revealed mesocolic defect and torsion of the cecum around the descending colon. After surgical correction of the cecal torsion, the cow recovered rapidly. The mesocolic defect could not be closed, and the history did not indicate a cause for the mesocolic defect.