Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Calf left-sided displacement of the abomasum

The disease in brief

The disease occurs mainly at an age of 6 weeks to 4 months, during periods of dietary changes. weaning. Diets containing high levels of starch, high energy content, and abomasal ulcers are contributing factors. 

Clinic & diagnosis

The disease should be suspected in pre-ruminant calves that are eating poorly and are presented to the veterinarian because they are swollen on the left side; this is the dominant sign in calves.

Symptoms alone suggest the disease, such as:
– a “Ping”, metallic noise audible on auscultation of percussion of the left flank (on a line going from the pin of the elbow to the left hip)

– a “splash”, the tinkling sound of a drop of water in a well audible upon succussion (noise of flow)
-A localized swelling of the left flank, overflowing from the hypochondrium under the 13th rib (K13)
It is more often an association of 2 symptoms from one of these groups:

– A moderately swollen left flank, the right flank remaining normal,
– Finely ground dung (or almost mustard-like in consistency), or ordinary or intermittent diarrhea, or in small volume or following constipation or other abnormal dung.
– Bruxism or colic.

In affected calves, intercurrent diseases (pneumonia, etc.) may be found, and suspicion will be supported by the detection of ketone bodies (for example in the urine).

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

- Bloat/milk ruminal drinker -acute VX40

-Ruminal milk drinker -chronic VX41

-Acute gaseous meteorization due to lack of eructation DG24

-Mycotic ruminant in calves N107

Confirm a suspicion?

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

Prognosis and treatment

The patient's need for rehydration should be assessed and treated if necessary, orally or intravenously (isotonic saline solution and dextrose).

A paramedian omentopexy appears to be the solution chosen by specialists and the lateral position of the calf is also preferred (facilitating paracostal incision and possible emptying of the abomasum).

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

Prevention

Prevention is based around a pre-weaning ration promoting the consumption of average quality hay, thus preparing the rumen to develop both in size and flora.

References

ABOMASAL DISEASES IN CALVES-2010- S. Steiner, W. Baumgartner-Clinic for Ruminants University of Veterinary Medicine-Wien