Gastrointestinal Flashcards
What is included in the digestive system
The oral cavity and associated organs:
Teeth, tongue, lips, and salivary glands
Esophagus
Forestomachs in Ruminants
Reticulum, rumen, and omasum
The true stomach of all species (abomasum in ruminants)
The small intestine, liver, and pancreas
The large intestine, rectum, and anus
Major functions of the oral cavity
Prehension: taking hold of feed and water
Mastication: chewing to break down food and mixing with saliva
Major functions of the stomach
Sterilization and holding chamber
Major functions of small intestine
Digestion: chemical breakdown of food
Absorption: of food (nutrients) and water
Major fxns of the large intestine
Evacuation of waste
Ruminants def
have a large rumen (fermentation chamber)
Cecal or hind gut fermenters def
have a large cecum and/or large intestine for a fermentation chamber
Structures of the oral cavity include
Include lips (labia), tongue, teeth, salivary glands, hard and soft palate, and oropharynx
Salivary glands types
Parotid, Mandibular, sublingual
Parotid salivary gland is located
Below the ear canal; caudal to mandible
Mandibular salivary gland is location
Medial to the bones of the mandible
Sublingual salivary gland islocated
Under the base of the tongue
Enzymes in saliva
Amylase, lipase, lysozyme
Amylase in saliva
Present in omnivores (pigs)
Absent in dogs, cats and ruminants
Useful for breaking down amylose (starch)
Lipase in saliva
Present in some young animals while nursing
Breaks down lipids
Lysozyme in saliva
Not really digestive, has antibacterial action
Functions of saliva
Dog: evaporative cooling
Cattle: lots of sodium bicarbonate and phosphate buffers in saliva to help neutralize rumen acids
Produce up to 200 L of saliva per day!
Help prevent rumen acidosis
Salivary fluid and buffers are recycled from GIT
How are salivary glands controled
Salivary glands and other GI glands are controlled by autonomic nervous system
Primarily under parasympathetic stimulation
Sympathetic stimulation usually inhibits
The dry mouth of fear
Function of teeth
Mechanical breakdown of food
Defense and offense
Tongue is and function
a mass of muscle covered by a mucus membrane and papillae (most of which bear taste buds). It functions to prehend and move food within the mouth to position it for mastication and swallowing. Dorsal surface is covered in taste buds.
How do animals use there tongue to drink
Canine and Feline - tongue ladles water in
Others - tongue acts as pump to create a vacuum
Palate in the oral cavity is located
hard palate is the roof of the mouth
Becomes the soft palate caudally
The soft palate separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx
Pharynx
The oropharynx connects the buccal cavity with the esophagus
Esophagus is and function
a muscular tube
Peristalsis moves food from oral cavity to stomach
Two orientations of muscles in the esophagus- longitudinal and circular
4 layers of the esophagus and what they look like
Mucosa: the epithelium, lines the organ wall
Submucosa: connective tissue supporting the mucosa
Muscularis: the smooth muscle layer, allow distensibility and propulsion of lumen contents
Serosa: the serous membrane layer on the outside of the organ
Steps of swallowing (deglutition)
Starts as a voluntary action (not present if anesthetized) – food is pushed by the tongue back into the pharynx
Continues as an involuntary action
Reflex contraction of pharynx, movement of epiglottis to cover glottis, relaxation of esophagus to allow entry of food bolus.
Followed by peristalsis – a wave of muscular contraction along a tubular organ
Contraction of longitudinal and relaxation of circular muscles to open the lumen on the aboral (away from the mouth) side of the bolus
Contraction of the circular muscles on the oral side
Once in the stomach, there is a natural fold and tone in the cardiac sphincter of the stomach to help prevent reflux
In horses – this sphincter prevents vomiting as well
Steps of emesis
Relaxation of pyloric sphincter (found at distal end of stomach)
Reverse peristalsis to move ingesta from the SI into the stomach
Relaxation of cardiac sphincter
Inspiratory movement against a closed glottis + forceful contraction of abdominal muscles = vomiting
Closed glottis prevents aspiration
The soft palate directs food out of the mouth
Cardiac of the mono gastric stomach
Area surrounding the opening of the esophagus into the stomach
Fundus of the mono gastric stomach
A distensible, blind pouch, which can expand as more food is swallowed
Body of the monogastric stomach
Distensible end in the middle stomach
Antrum of the monogastric stomach
Distal portion of stomach
Grinds up food
Regulates acid production
Produces mucus
Pylorus of the monogastric stomach
Muscular sphincter that regulates the movement of chyme (semi-digested stomach contents) into the small intestine
Prevents backflow from small intestine into stomach
Shape of the monogastric stomach
The stomach is shaped like a C
Inside curve of the C is called the lesser curvature of the stomach
Outside curve is called greater curvature of the stomach
The mucosal lining of the stomach occurs as longitudinal folds called rugae
Ruminants ruminate their food by
they masticate, swallow, mix and ferment food in the rumen,
regurgitate and chew again (also called chewing the cud), then swallow again.
Usually graze, then lie down and ruminate
One rumination cycle lasting about 1 minute between regurgitation and reswallowing
Rumination allows relatively rapid food gathering (while watching out for predators), then later mastication (while safe and resting)
Very efficient fiber digestion: food is repeatedly mixed with saliva and ground to increase the surface area exposed to microbial activity in the rumen
4 stomachs of the ruminant stomach
Reticulum
Rumen
Omasum
Abomasum
Reticulum shape and function
Small
Most cranial compartment
Separated from rumen by rumenoreticular fold
Has honeycomb appearance to mucosa (increases surface area)
Coordinated contraction with rumen (reticulorumen contractions)
Rumen shape
Largest forestomach compartment
Occupies most of the left half of the abdominal cavity
Mucosa has a ‘pile rug’ appearance
Fermentation chamber (along the reticulum)
Separated into different compartments by rumenal pillars – essentially muscular sacs
Ruminal pillars do what
This assists mixing of rumen contents during contractions
Contractions occur in a synchronized manner
Controlled primarily by a vagus nerve of parasympathetic system
Also affected by rumen pH, presence of VFA in the rumen, consistency of the rumen contents, degree of rumen distension, and feedback degree from other areas in the GIT
Eructation is
is the expulsion of carbon dioxide and methane gas from fermentation that accumulates in the top of the rumen (gas cap).
Coordinated contraction of rumen and relaxation of esophagus
Rumen effects on starch and enzymes
During fermentative digestion, plant material is broken down by enzymes from microbes (bacteria, fungi and protozoa) in the rumen.
Cellulose convert cellulose to monosaccharides (simple sugars) and polysaccharides
Starch is also broken down into monosacchardies
Rumen fermentation
Microbes convert these saccharides to volatile fatty acids, methane and CO2
Protein is broken down by microbial proteases to amino acids
Amino acids are then used by microbes to make proteins, or are converted to VFA’s and ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia can be picked up by other microbes to synthesize new amino acids
Travels to liver, converted to urea, which is then used as a nitrogen source for rumen microbes
Can feed urea as another nitrogen source to boost protein made by microbes.
VFAs are absorbed where and do what
VFA’s = propionic acid, butyric acid, and acetic acid
VFA’s are absorbed across rumen wall and go to liver for conversion to glucose (mostly propionic acid) , to make adipose tissue and milk fats (dairy cattle) or are burnt for energy.
What happens to microbes after fermentation
Microbes eventually move with ingesta through the GIT and end up being digested in SI
These microbes provide an important protein source for the ruminant animal (microbial proteins!)
B vitamins and Vitamin K are also made in the rumen
What happens if the rumen is messed up
**It is extremely critical to maintain the correct balance of microbes, feed, pH, and gas production in the rumen
Any alteration can cause bloat, acidosis, and death
Includes sudden diet change, particularly more starch
Omasum shape and function
The third chamber of the ruminant stomach
Has lots of surface area due to presence of large mucosal folds – looks like leaves or pages in a book(often called the ‘butcher’s bible’)
Strong muscles in omasal wall – important for further mechanical breakdown
Also has absorptive function – VFA’s, water, and bicarbonate
Prevents neutralization of abomasal acid
The abomasum function and structure
The true stomach – similar to monogastric in structure and function
The young ruminant digestive tract
A milk diet does not require or lend itself to fermentation.
The rumen and reticulum of nursing calves are undeveloped and lack the microbial population necessary for efficient fermentation
Young ruminants have a reticular grooce or esophageal groove, which directs milk into the omasum when swallowed, bypassing the rumen and reticulum
Seems to work better if calf is suckling vs drinking from a bucket
How long the reticular groove functions depends on how soon the calf is introduced to grain and hay
Gastric secretions
Stomach submucosa contains gastric pits, glands which produce
Mucus
HCl
Enzymes
Hormones (gastrin)
Mucus secretions by the gastric system
Mix of mucin (produced by goblet cells in the gastric glands), water, and bicarbonate ions (secreted on the surface to neutralize stomach acid)
Necessary to protect stomach wall autodigestion due to pH of 2-3 in stomach
Is broken down by HCl so must be continuously secreted to prevent gastritis and ulcers
Hydrogen and chloride ions secreted by the gastric system
Secreted by parietal (oxyntic) cells as separate ions– H+ and Cl-.
This acts to sterilize the food, protects against GI infections and starts the denaturation of proteins
Secretion is controlled by receptors on parietal cells for:
Gastrin (a gastric hormone, see later)
Acetylcholine
Histamine
Pepsinogen secreted by and function
Secreted by chief cells
Stimulated by gastrin
Precursor for pepsin (made by cleaving pepsinogen with HCl)
Pepsin catabolizes (breaks down) proteins to smaller amino acid chains- peptides
Gastrin produced by what and function
Produced by G cells in antrum in response to filling and presence of peptides
Increases hydrochloric acid (HCl) production in parietal (oxyntic) cells and pepsinogen release from the chief cells of the fundus and body
Causes muscular relaxation in fundus- allows greater filling
Gastric motility
Both stomach and intestine contain circular and longitudinal muscles responsible for food propulsion, hunger contractions and to assist grinding
Motility varies depending on the stage of ingestion/digestion and the area of the stomach
Gastric motility steps
Initiated by pace maker nervous cells that rhythmically depolarize using calcium channels
Stimulate smooth muscle to contract
Contraction is modified by autonomic nervous system:
Increased by parasympathetic stimulation
Except fundus which relaxes
So prepares a space in stomach for food
Inhibited by sympathetic stimulation
Can cause atony (lack of motility) in stressful situations
Serectin is produced where and function
Produced by the duodenum in response to excess stomach acid in SI
Causes relaxation of the fundus
Inhibits peristaltic movements in the antrum and body to delay further movement of ingesta into the duodenum
Cholecystokinin is produced where and does what
Produced in response to fats and proteins in the duodenum
Inhibits gastric contractions and slows gastric emptying
Stimulates gallbladder contractions
Overall affects of gastric motility hormones
Fundus and body tend to relax with ingestion – allows distention and storage of food.
Also relaxes when antrum is distended with food
Antrum tends to contract with ingestion – this is inhibited by acid, fats and proteins in the SI.
Propels food towards polyrus
Liquid enter SI
Solids hold back for more mixing and grinding
Stomach of a carnivore empties relatively quickly – within a few hours.
Horse and pig take about 24 hours to empty a full stomach
Small intestine function
Digestion
Proteins
Fats
Charbohydrates: storage (starch) and saccharides
Most of the absorption of nutrients
Sugars, amino acids, fats
Water
Minerals
Duodenum is and receives
extends from pylorus to jejunum
Receives:
Ingesta from stomach
Bile from the liver
Pancreatic secretions
Jejunum shape
Longest part of small intestine
Ileum shape and connects to
Shortest segment of small intestine
Indistinguishable from the jejunum
Connects to colon of large intestine by the ileocecal sphincter
Absorption and digestion of the small intestine are aided by
The small intestine is long and forms many loops and coils
The mucosa is folded into pilcations
Intestinal crypts sink beneath the surface
The site of cell proliferation
Secrete fluid into the intestine to dilute the chyme (partially digested food)
Absorption is accomplished by extremely high surface area exposed to the lumen
Intestinal villi are
finger-like projections which arise between crypts
Microvilli are
tiny projections off the apical surface of the epithelial cells of the villi
Form a brush border
Cells have enzymes for digestion and carrier molecules for absorption in/on the cell membrane
As in stomach, intestinal wall produce mucus
Layers of SI
A luminal mucosa (simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells)
A submucosa (connective tissue)
A muscular later (smooth muscle)
An outer serosa (the visceral peritoneum)
Peristalsis contractions of SI
Progressive, propulsive contractions
Move ingesta through GIT
Segmental contractions of SI
mixing, churning contractions
Increase exposure of chyme to intestinal wall, its digestive enzymes and for absorption
Slow the movement of ingesta through GI tract
Small intestine digestion
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins need to be broken down by enzymes in the GI tract
There are two sources of enzymes:
The pancreas, the major source
Enzymes on the microvilli of the SI villi
Carb digestion and sugar
Simple sugars (glucose and other monosaccharides) absorbed through epithelium by secondary active transport
Glucose leaves cells for blood by diffusion through basement membrane
Amylase in carb digestion
may be present in saliva, always secreted by pancreas into duodenum
Converts starch to disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose)
Sucrase, maltase, isomaltase, and lactase in carb digestion
enzymes in the microvilli cell membrane
Convert disaccharides to monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose)
The proportion of enzymes depends on diet
Protein digestion is
Protein digestion begins in the stomach and continues in the intestines.
Pepsin breaks proteins into polypeptides in the stomach
In small intestine pancreatic proteases further break down proteins in the intestine. Major examples are
Trypsin
Chymotrypsin
Elastase
Carboxypeptidase
Proteases are originally secreted as inactive substances and are activated in the lumen of the GI tract
Protects against auto digestion
Luminal digestion yields free amino acids and small peptides
The final stage of breakdown is by peptidases in the microvilli of cell membrane
Produces amino acids
Amino acids are then absorbed on carrier proteins in the microvilli by secondary active transport similar to glucose
Leave for blood by diffusion through basement membrane
Fat digestion
More complicated than carbs and proteins
We absorb fats as triglycerides
Fat tends to clump into droplets
Digestive system uses emulsification to break up droplets
Warmed and mixed in the stomach
Emulsification in fat digestion
Emulsification makes fat into small droplets with a large surface area. This allows
Fat soluble vitamins to attach (Vitamin A, D, E, and K)
Pancreatic lipases to digest fat
Dietary triglycerides are hydrolysed into free fatty acids and monoglycerides are produced
Duodenum affects on digestion
bile acids (salts) are added:
Secreted by liver through bile duct into duodenum
are bipolar: bond to the fat with hydrophobic end and water with hydrophilic end
Forms a micelle
Monoglycerides, fatty acids and bile salts
Micelles than transport the lipid to the villi
Bile salts remain in the lumen
Only absorbed in ileum
Monoglycerides and fatty acids diffuse into cell
Reassembled into triglycerides
Packaged with protein and excreted from the cell as chylomicrons
Too big to enter capillaries
Travel in lymph directly to the vena cava
The exception is medium chain triglycerides
Chain length is shorter and directly enter blood
Large intestine shape and function
A wide tube
Functions to recover water and electrolytes, to store feces for elimination and to ferment fiber.
Four sections
Cecum
Colon-3 segments
Ascending
Transverse
Descending
Cecum in cats and dogs shape
Blind diverticulum (or sac) at beginning of colon (at the ileocecal junction)
Poorly developed in carnivores,
Moderate size in ruminants
Large and highly developed in horses, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits
THIS is our appendix!
Colon sections and shapes
divided into three segments in the most monogastric species
Ascending- proximal portion which courses cranially
Transverse- courses from right to left
Descending- connects transverse colon to rectum
The colon has numerous mucus secreting glands and uses peristaltic and segmental contractions to control movement through it.
The cecum in the horse
Is very large and is located on the right side of the peritoneal cavity
Equine ascending colon
usually called the large colon
Consists of four large banks that travel in pairs, one dorsal one ventral, on both sides of the abdomen
Cecum and large colon in horse
divided into sacculations called haustra. The longitudinal muscle forms prominent bands called tenia.
Small colon na d transverse colon in horse
A short transverse colon connects to the small colon
Small colon
Equivalent to descending colon
Longer than in carnivores
Colon in ruminants shape
The ascending colon is long. Doubled into a spiral that runs in the mesentery supporting the small intestine. Hence often called the spiral colon.
Short transverse colon
Descending colon
Functions of the LI
In all species water and electrolytes are absorbed in the large intestine.
This is the principal function of the entire LI of cats and dogs and the small colon of horses
Fermentation occurs in the cecum and colon, but it varies depending on species.
Horses, rabbits and guinea pigs are examples of hind gut fermenters
Fiber cannot be digested by mammalian enzymes in the SI
Cecum and large colon functions as a fermentation chamber
Cecum and large colon function as fermentation chambers for fiber
Microbes and end products identical to those found in ruminants
VFA’s absorbed across cecal and large colon wall
Ruminant LI digestion
Much of starch and protein digested and absorbed in the SI of hind gut fermenter
Microbial protein cannot be absorbed
Bicarbonate secreted directly into the cecum and colon
Microbes that perform fermentation are sensitive to some antibiotics
Caution with horses/rabbits with antibiotics
Rectum is and functions
stores feces prior to defecation
Terminal portion of the colon which continues into the pelvic cavity
Has many mucus-secreting glands for lubrication
Sensory receptors for stretch – stimulates defecation response
Anus composed of
Composed of an internal and external muscular sphincter to allow controlled passage of feces
Internal sphincter of the anus control
autonomic NS control
Parasympathetic NS – causes relaxation
Usually occurs with increased colonic motility
Sympathetic NS – causes constriction
External sphincter of the anus control
voluntary control
When the internal sphincter relaxes and allows fecal contents to contact the anal mucosa – stimulates conscious need to defecate
Defecation occurs with voluntary relaxation of external sphincter
Pancreas function and secretions
Exocrine gland function important for digestion
Secretes
Proteases, amylase, and lipase from pancreatic acinar cells
Bicarbonate to help neutralize stomach acid
Travel through pancreatic duct to duodenum
Liver size and shape
Second largest organ of the body (skin is first)
Lies caudal to diaphragm
Divided into lobes and further subdivided into microscopic lobules
Hepatic portal system: system of veins that drain the intestine and deliver blood to the liver. This assists the phagocytic and nutrient process functions of the liver.
Function of the liver
Filter and detoxify substances absorbed from the GI tract into the blood
Phagocytic cells in the hepatic sinusoids
Absorb and store vitamins, minerals and glucose from GI tract
Make bile: which contains bile acids (salts), cholesterol, and bilirubin (yellow)
Bile acid in the liver
Bile is collected in canaliculi
Drain into bile ducts
Merge to form hepatic duct
Connects to the gallbladder (storage compartment for bile acids). (Not present in horses)
The common bile duct drains the gallbladder and liver
Merges with the pancreatic duct just before opening into the duodenum
Makes some blood proteins
Albumin: important for maintaining blood oncotic pressure
Diseased liver = low albumin = low oncotic pressure = ascites
The liver is important in glucose metabolism:
Gallbladder is and does what
Gallbladder contracts in response to cholecystokinin
Released in response to the presence of fats and proteins in the intestine, thereby providing the bile for fat emulsification when it is needed!
Bile acids are reabsorbed with fats through the hepatic portal system, removed from the blood, and recycled by the liver to make more
Glycogenesis
makes glycogen
From sugars absorbed from gut
Glycogenolysis
breaks down glycogen
Between meals to maintain blood glucose
Gluconeogensis
makes glucose
During starvation
From amino acids (especially in cats)
Propionate in herbivores
Cleft in the labia and oral cavity causes and types
Most common congenital abnormality involving the lips of small animals
Genetic or teratogens (substances that cause defects during development)
Cleft lip- due to a disturbance of the process making the jaws and face during embryonic development
Cleft palate- found in newborn of all species
Defect may involve the soft palate alone, or may extend rostrally through the maxillary bones to the lips
Initial sign is milk dropping from the nostrils when newborn attempts to nurse
Salivary mucocele are
(sialocele or cyst)
An excessive accumulation if saliva in and/or around the gland
Trauma or inflammation occludes the duct or ruptures the duct or gland
Shows up as a fluctuant swelling without and associated fever
Can affect any of the salivary glands
Dilation- megaesophagus causes
Congenital: constrictive bands of tissue from a persistent aortic arch
Acquired: paralysis of muscle due to problem with muscle or nerves
Abdominal hernias are and types
Protrusion of abdominal contents into the subcutis through a natural or abnormal opening in the body wall
Three types
Umbilical
Inguinal
Scrotal (males)
GDV common breeds and presentation
(gastric dilatation and volvulus)
AKA gastric torsion/bloat
Seen in large, deep-chested and giant breed dogs most commonly
The classic presentation history involves exercise after a heavy meal or heavy water consumption
Signs of GDV
Distended abdomen
Retching with no vomit production
Drooling
Pacing
Distress
Treatment of GDV
These animals quickly go into shock and unless treated, die
Treatment is IMMEDIATE surgery
Stabilize patient and relieve pressure
Correct the twist
Resect any areas of dead stomach wall
May require any splenectomy
Tack stomach to body wall to prevent reoccurance
GASTROPEXY
Gastritis is
Chronic or acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Can be caused by disease, diet, bacteria, irritants etc.
Diarrhea is and caused by
An increased water content of feces
Large volume of fluid pass through the GI tract daily
Secretions of GI glands (saliva, stomach, pancreas)
Direct secretion by surface epithelial cells
Total volume of fluid passing through the gut daily is greater than total body water
Imbalances b/w secretion and absorption result in diarrhea
Can be profuse and cause rapid dehydration
Diarrhea can be from small intestinal or large intestinal diseases
Colic is
Colic ia abdominal pain
The GI tract is mainly sensitive to dissension
Obstruction is the common cause of distention
Twists/displacement of GI tract
Kink lumen and block outflow
Fluid accumulates in the GI tract
Colic
Dehydration
Electrolyte and acid base imbalances
Colic in horses
Can involve one or more of previously described conditions: intussusception, torsion, volvulus, impaction or obstruction, foreign bodies, enteritis
Is a serious problems in horses as 20% are surgical and can be fatal
Constipation is
Infrequent or hard to pass fecal movements
Feces usually accumulate in the descending colon or rectum
Dry out and harden as water is absorbed by mucosa
Constipation is caused by
Decreased peristalsis
Inadequate dietary fiber: GI tract contracts in response to distension
Electrolyte imbalances
Calcium: important for
muscular contraction
Potassium: important for
nerve stimulation
Stress: sympathetic nervous stimulation
Drugs: beware of atropine especially in horse
Entritis and colitis
Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the small intestine and large intestine
There are many causes- infectious disease, diet, foreign bodies, irritant drugs or chemicals, parasitism
Rectal prolapse
Protrusion of all or part of the rectum through the anus
Seen in all species, but most common in young animals, or postpartum
Rectal tears
Usually the result of trauma
In small animals - the result of passing a foreign body
In large animals - often the result of rough rectal palpation
Gallbladder
Examined at necropsy: a full gall bladder means that the animal was not eating prior to death
Gallbladder can have mucous accumulation that can cause rupture
Gallbladder mucocele
Hepatitis
A general term used to describe an inflammation of the liver
Sings include: weight loss, nervous signs due to low blood glucose or high blood ammonia, jaundice (bilirubin accumulation) and edema
Pancreatitis is
seen most commonly in dogs
The patient is typically middle-aged, inactive and obese
Acute pancreatitis is very painful
Chronic pancreatitis results in loss of functional pancreas
More common in cats
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Decreased production of digestive enzymes
Animal unable to break down food
See weight loss and abnormal stool which is often profuse, voluminous and fatty, may be diarrhea.
Diabetes mellitus is and types
Insufficient production of, or sensitivity to, insulin
Can be secondary to pancreatitis in dogs
Type 1
Insulin deficiency
Dogs and some cats
Type 2
Insulin resistance
Most cats
Signs of diabetes mellitus and treatments
Signs
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Weight loss
Cataracts in DOGS
Neuropathy in CATS
Treatment
Insulin and diet changes
Bloat in ruminants
Bloat=abdominal distension
Ruminal bloat is th distention due to ruminal gas accumulation
Large daily gas production
Is a serious problem is cannot be eructated
Frothy bubbles
Some microbes produce slime
Ruminal atony (milk fever)
Bloat causes pressure on the diaphragm, inhibiting heart and lung function
Traumatic reticulitis or hardware disease in ruminants
perforation of the reticulum by a foreign body (usually metallic) and an associated localized peritonitis
Magnets have been placed in the reticulum (orally) to collect metal objects and keep them from penetrating the wall
Abomasal displacement in ruminants
The most common is the “LDA” Or left-side displacement of the abomasum which normally lies on the floor ( midline or slightly to the right) of the abdominal cavity
Displaces to the left between the rumen and the abdominal wall (RDA’s develop on the right)
Generally, a condition seen in large, richly fed, high- producing dairy cows immediately after parturition
Correction is surgical
