Abdominal distension Flashcards by Helen West

In clinical exam what do we assess about rumen

shape - abdominal silhouette
fill
motility

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T/F hypermotility is a common finding on clinical exam in cattle

False- uncommon

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List 3 possible causes of hypomotility in cattle

Systemic inflammation
Increased sympathetic tone
Rumen distension or acidosis

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List 11 differentials of abdominal distension in cattle

Bloat
Acidosis
Oesophageal obstruction
Pregnancy
Vagal indigestion
Urethral obstruction
GI obstruction, impaction or displacement
Traumatic reticulitis/TRP
Peritonitis
Ascites
Miscellaneous

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what is primary bloat

frothy bloat

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what is secondary bloat

gassy bloat

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T/F bloat is an emergency

True
can fill rapidly

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what is frothy bloat generally associated with

lush pasture, clover and legumes (peas, beans, lentils)

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describe the pathophysiology of frothy bloat due to legumes

basically contents of the rumen become very viscous –> prevents relaxation of cardia –> eructation not possible

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What are the clinical signs of frothy bloat

Abdominal enlargement of left-hand side when viewed from rear
Colic
decreased rumen motility

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Describe how to differentially diagnose frothy bloat

Stomach tube passes but doesn’t decompress

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List some signs of colic in cows

kicking
treading
lying down and rising
vocalisation
stretched stance
rear feet placed far behind

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Describe how to treat frothy bloat

anti-foaming agent
rumenotomy decompression - severe cases
diet management- take off pasture, add long fibre to diet

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what are the land marks for Rumenotomy decompression

Hands width below transverse process and a hands width below last rib

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define free gas bloat

inability to eliminate gas by eructation secondary to another condition

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List 7 possible causes to free gas bloat

Obstruction: foreign body
Hypocalcaemia
Prolonged lateral recumbency
Vagal nerve damage
Tetanus
Actinobacillus
Outside pressure

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describe the signs of tetanus in cows

rigidity, protrusion 3rd eyelid, hyperesthesia

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Describe how to treat free gas bloat

pass stomach tube
may need to remove obstruction first e.g. foreign body

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what is vagal indigestion

hinders the passage of ingesta from the reticulorumen, abomasum or both, resulting in the distension of the abdomen

describe the clinical signs of vagal indigestion

Non-specific
Decreased milk yield, anorexia
Abnormal faeces
Recurrent bloating
Decreased ruminal motility

what can vagal indigestion be secondary to

TRP
actinobacillosis (rumen/reticulum)
peritonitis
abscessation

Name the 2 forms of vagal indigestion

Anterior functional stenosis
Pyloric outflow failure

Describe Anterior functional stenosis

flow into abomasum disturbed e.g. TRP

Describe Pyloric outflow failure

no emptying of abomasum e.g. DA
see metabolic alkalosis

what is the prognosis for vagal indigestion

poor because vagal nerve is damaged

what are the most common sites of choke

Oropharynx, thoracic inlet, heart base

Describe the clinical signs of choke

Profuse salivation and bloat

describe how to treat choke

- Attempt removal using fingers or gentle pressure with stomach tube - Leave to macerate if rumen trocar/red devil is present - if severe relieve rumen tympany - oesophagostomy

what cows tend to get ruminal bloat

slightly older calves- often just after weaning

what are the clinical signs of ruminal bloat

chronic - D+, poor hair coat, decreased DLWG often recurrent bloat may follow concentrate feeding

Describe how to manage ruminal bloat

Short term deflate with stomach tube Long term fistula or trocar

what causes abomasal bloat

Rapid gas production in abomasum Excessive fermentation of simple carbs---> Overgrowth of gas producing bacteria

describe signalment of abomasal bloat

pre-weaned calves 1-3 weeks old

describe what is seen on clinical exam with abomasal bloat

Splashing on abdominal percussion Right ventral abdominal distension Colic

describe how to treat abomasal bloat

Relieve bloat (tube or needle) IVFT Antibiotics (penicillin) Hyoscine NSAIDs change calf management to prevent reoccurance

Describe where to incise for left flank laparotomy

4cm caudal to ribs Incise skin, external and internal abdominal oblique muscles, transversus abdominis and peritoneum

what can you see with Left Flank Laparotomy

rumen

what can you feel in crainal abdomen with Left Flank Laparotomy

pylorus abomasum omasum reticulm

what can you feel in caudal abdomen with Left Flank Laparotomy

○ Bladder ○ Uterus ○ Left kidney Intestines

list 3 indications to rumenotomy

Adhesions suspected TRP, foreign body, toxins, frothy bloat Access to rumen and reticulum

Describe how to approach rumenotomy

Same as laparotomy Suture rumen to body wall - Partial thickness - Short runs of Cushing pattern

List some Peri-op considerations for rumenotomy

This is a Clean contaminated surgery Perioperative antimicrobials and NSAIDs Restraint!- depends on the cow

when can a rumenostomy be indicated

recurrent bloat cases

what is a risk with a self retaining trocar

peritonitis

Describe how to approach a semi-permanent rumenotomy

Similar to laparotomy except only small circle of skin incised Rumen stay sutured to body wall Small circle of rumen mucosa removed Rumen wall sutured to body wall in everting pattern- Horizontal/vertical mattress Will gradually granulate and close