Synonyms

Hoflund syndrome; vagal indigestion

Name of the disease in English

Vagus indigestion; vagal indigestion syndrome; chronic indigestion

The disease in brief

Chronic reticulorumen indigestion is part of a group of indigestions (or Hoflund syndrome) that are associated with lesions of certain branches of the vagus nerve (4 types are described); in practice, the mechanisms that lead to chronic indigestion are numerous:

– Traumatic reticuloperitonitis can, via the damaged nerve, disrupt the functioning of the cardia, eructation and rumination.

– Network lesions (abscesses, diaphragmatic adhesions, scar fibrosis lesions, actinobacillosis or papillomatosis) will do the same.

– Liver abscess (usually of ruminal origin)

– Lesions associated with tuberculosis, leukosis, or diaphragmatic hernia

– Abomasal volvulus with wall lesions.

Clinic & diagnosis

In a bovine that is losing weight, with a problem developing over several days or weeks, the signs of suspicion may be diverse: 

– An “apple pear” profile, that is to say the left flank swollen like an apple, the right flank dilated like a pear

– Demonstration by transrectal examination of a dilated digestive reservoir on the left near the entrance to the pelvis (L-shaped rumen) 

– Rumen contractions decreased in intensity, and sometimes in frequency (but rumen motility can also be increased).

These signs at the rumen level coexist with a decreased appetite, a normal temperature and modified dung: dung that is sparse and dry, or containing long fibers, or finely ground (or tending towards a mustard consistency). Bradycardia may develop into tachycardia with the onset of dehydration.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

– Traumatic reticuloperitonitis DG27

– Chronic indigestion of leaflet N350

– Non-perforating/non-bleeding abomasal ulcers DG34.1

– Abomasum volvulus DG24.4

Confirm a suspicion?

There is no simple method to confirm a suspicion, the best being to perform an exploratory laparotomy (but reformation, see below, is often preferable).

Prognosis and treatment

The treatment of this indigestion is not easy and often ineffective. It is often more reasonable to reform the cattle, as long as the disorders are not permanent.

Prevention

It is the prevention of primary disorders that is possible:

– Traumatic reticuloperitonitis: Hunt for metal objects around fodder.

– Chronic rumen acidosis: Maintain a minimal level of fibrosity in rations

– Early diagnosis and treatment of abomasal volvulus

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 104