Caecal Dilatation And Volvulus

Question 1

How does caecal dilatation present?

Answer 1

Similar to an LDA in the early stages - inappetance, reduced milk yield, reduced faeces, abdominal discomfort
Ping in the upper right flank
Rectal examination findings - distended caecum on the RHS of the abdomen

Question 2

How does caecal volvulus present?

Answer 2

Dehydration
Tachycardia
Abdominal pain

Question 3

How do you diagnose a caecal torsion?

Answer 3

Rectal exam - Long, cylindrical, moveable organ

Volvulus palpable

Question 4

How can you treat caecal displacements and torsions?

Answer 4

Just displaced - medical management - good quality hay and observe

Volvulus - caecotomy - deflate and milk out contents, ASAP

Question 5

What is the prognosis for a caecal volvulus / torsion?

Answer 5

Good

Low recurrence rate

Question 6

What are the clinical signs of oesophageal obstruction?

Answer 6

Inability to swallow
Regurgitation
Drooling
Bloat

Question 7

How can you relieve oesophageal obstruction?

Answer 7

Starve and observe
Sedate 
Buscopan 
Flunixin
Gag and pass hand down oesophagi a
Try to remove using a pro bang and a cutting loop 
Push into rumen if at the cardia 

If unsuccessful…
Trocharise the rumen and feed via the rumen
Wait until the obstruction passes