A retrospective review of small intestinal intussusception in 126 cattle in Switzerland

Abstract

Background Intussusception is a form of ileus of the intestines in which an oral intestinal segment slides into the adjacent aboral intestinal segment, causing obstruction of the bowel. Methods We analysed the medical records of 126 cattle with intussusception of the small intestine. Results Demeanour and appetite were abnormal in 123 cattle. Non‐specific signs of pain occurred in 26.2%, signs of visceral pain in 46.8% and signs of parietal pain in 56.4%. Intestinal motility was decreased or absent in 93.7% of the cattle. The most common findings of transrectal palpation were rumen dilation (37.3%) and dilated small intestines (24.6%). In 96% of the cattle, the rectum was empty or contained little faeces. The principal laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (89.6%), hypocalcaemia (76.5%), base excess (72.9%), hypochloraemia (71.8%), azotaemia (62.1%) and haemoconcentration (61.1%). The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced or absent intestinal motility (98.2%) and dilated small intestines (96.0%). A diagnosis of ileus was made in 87.8% and a diagnosis of ileus attributable to intussusception was made in another 9.8%. Right‐flank laparotomy was carried out in 114 cattle. Fifty‐six (44.4%) cows were discharged. Conclusions Clinical findings of intussusception in cattle are often non‐specific. Ultrasonography may be required to diagnose ileus.

Bayesian estimates of genetic effects on calf survival in Hardhenu (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle

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“…The higher mortality rate in male calves born in the rainy season may be due to the increased prevalence of infectious diseases and poor environmental conditions during this time (Braun et al, 2012). The study findings highlight the importance of implementing effective management strategies that take into consideration environmental factors to mitigate mortality rates in the dairy industry, particularly in calves up to 1 year of age.…”

“…Several studies have investigated significant environmental influences on calf mortality (Braun et al, 2012;Hegazy et al, 2016;Islam et al, 2005;Johanson & Berger, 2003;König et al, 2018;Mellado et al, 2014;Mishra et al, 2015;Pathak et al, 2018;Upadhyay et al, 2017;Zhang et al, 2019). Better nutrition, disease management and housing conditions may have contributed to the lower mortality rates observed in these periods (Hegazy et al, 2016).…”

Torsion of the spiral colon in cattle– a retrospective analysis of 58 cases

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Fundamentals of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Dromedary Camel Medicine

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