Abomasal impaction and reflux syndrome

Question 1

Abomasal obturation

Aetiology

Answer 1

• Sand or rough, hard fodder + lack of drinking water (feedlot bulls, sheep)

Question 2

Abomasal obturation

Clinical signs

Answer 2

• Similar to abomasal ulcers, but other characteristic local signs
• Abomasum: firm, sand sac-like palpatory finding
• Ultrasound: can find obturation itself (echogenic image)

Question 3

Abomasal obturation

Treatment

Answer 3

• Conservative: spasmolytics, laxatives + fluid and electrolyte replacement
• Surgery: rumenotomy or abomasotomy

Question 4

Reflux syndrome

Pathogenesis

Answer 4

Any kind of abomasal disorder
↓
Bacflow of the abomasal fluid
↓
Rumen fluid (Cl- >30mmol/l; Ph+-; osmolality

Question 5

Reflux syndrome

Clinical signs

Answer 5

• Accumulation of abomasal fluid within the rumen
o Local
▪ Dilatation of the rumen→undulating, thin (watery)/sour-smelling content
o General
▪ Dehydration
• Exsiccosis: sunken eyes, CRT↑,PCV↑,GFR ↓→extrarenal uraemia:
urine-like breath, creatinine ↑
▪ Metabolic alkalosis→in severe cases: respiratory rate ↓, swallow breathing
+ Characteristic clinical sings of the underlying abomasal disease