Synonyms

Wandering Caillette

Name of the disease in English

Left-sided displacement of the abomasum

The disease in brief

The disease (DCG, left abomasum displacement) primarily affects high-producing dairy cows fed a high-energy density ration, or a low fiber content on pasture. The elevation of the rumen by the uterus at the end of gestation, especially if the ruminal contents are concentrated, allows the abomasum to find space to slide under the rumen, and thus become "trapped" after calving. 9/10 cases occur within 6 weeks of calving, especially in cows that get little exercise. Rarer cases can occur in bulls or other categories of ruminants, such as calves. (Dedicated memo). Cows with DCG may also have other conditions such as metritis, mastitis, ketosis, delayed delivery, etc.

Clinic & diagnosis

These are cows that eat poorly after calving, or that show diarrheal droppings, or even ketosis or colic, and that lead to calling the veterinarian. Clinical signs alone can lead to suspicion of the disease, such as:

-the “Ping”, a high-pitched metallic noise heard on auscultation percussion (below and in front) the lower left hypochondrium (on a line connecting the tip of the elbow to the tip of the hip

– the “splash”, a tinkling noise reminiscent of a drop of water falling into a well at the succussion of the lower left hypochondrium

-Localized swelling of the left flank, overflowing from the hypochondrium (under the 13th rib, KL3)

It is more often an association of 2 symptoms from one of these groups which leads to suspicion:

-Finely ground dung (or almost mustard-like consistency), ordinary or intermittent diarrhea, or in small volumes, following constipation or other abnormal dung.

-A moderately swollen left flank, the right flank remaining normal.

-Marked to severe ketonuria, or a positive milk ketone test or recent treatment for ketosis that was unsuccessful.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

– rumen indigestion due to overload DG25.2

– Primary ketosis MET5

– Chronic reticulorumen indigestion DG25

– Traumatic reticuloperitonitis DG27

– Hepatic steatosis N437

-Acute gaseous meteorization due to lack of eructation DG24

-Chronic reticulorumen indigestion (Hoflund syndrome) DG25

Confirm a suspicion?

Testing for ketone bodies in urine, milk, or better still in blood, is a step that should not be overlooked.

Transcutaneous ultrasound of the abomasum may be useful to confirm a displacement of the abomasum; the rumen does not appear to be adjacent to the abdominal wall dorsally: there is the presence of an organ insinuated between the two, containing gas dorsally and a liquid content of heterogeneous appearance ventrally

Prognosis and treatment

The best surgical treatment is the one you are familiar with: omentopexy, paramedian abomasopexy, etc.

Treatment by rolling the cattle can reduce some cases but with a high risk of relapses.

Prevention

Prevention is based on a dry-off ration that prepares the transition to the lactation ration with a gradual increase in the concentrate rate and a well-maintained fiber rate. Give the cows exercise.

References

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