Intussusception, Intestinal Volvulus, Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome in Cattle

Question 1

What fluids do you want to use if there is a metabolic acidosis?

Answer 1

LRS or 5% HCO₃

Lactate is transformed to HCO₃^- in the liver

Question 2

What two species are most prone to developing adhesions?

Answer 2

humans and equines

Try to minimize manipulation of the bowels!

Question 3

After repairing intussusception, what are the most common post-op complications?

Answer 3

ileus, peritonitis

Question 4

What is the post-op survival rate for an intussusception in cattle?

Answer 4

43%

Question 5

What fluids do you want do use if there is a metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 5

LRS or NaCl

Question 6

T/F: With medical and surgical intervention of hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in cattle, the prognosis is good

Answer 6

False

Even with medical and surgical intervention, the prognosis is poor (70% death rate)

Question 7

Identify the intussusceptum:

Answer 7

Question 8

Most likely diagnosis?

Answer 8

perforated abomasal ulcer

Question 9

What surgical approach is typically used to resect an intussusception in ruminants?

Answer 9

Right flank celiotomy

Question 10

What do you expect to see on abdominocentesis with an intussusception?

Answer 10

Normal

Because the necrotic segment is contained inside the normal segment

Question 11

The prognosis for survival in intestinal volvulus depends on:

Answer 11

the duration of the obstruction and the viability of the bowel

Question 12

What species did this come from?

Answer 12

Cow

Note the increased fat in the mesentery

Question 13

What is the most likely cause of hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in cattle?

Answer 13

Clostridium perfringens type A

Question 14

When would you choose to do a side to side intestinal anastamosis?

Answer 14

If you want to create a large lumen or are working on bowel of different diameters

Question 15

What is/are the most common location(s) for intussusception in horses?

Answer 15

mid-jejunum, ileocecal, cecocolic

Question 16

Identify the intussuscipiens:

Answer 16

Question 17

What is the post-op survival rate for a cecocecal or cecocolic intussusception in horses?

Answer 17

27-45%

However, post-op survival rate for a SI intussusception in horses is guarded

Question 18

Most likely diagnosis?

Answer 18

fat necrosis in mesentery

Fat necrosis in mesentery can end up as obstruction of the SI Usually euthanized because multiple blockages

Question 19

What does an intussusception look like on ultrasound?

Answer 19

Like this:

Question 20

What is/are the most common location(s) for intussusception in cattle?

Answer 20

distal jejunum and proximal ileum

Question 21

What do you find on rectal exam in a cow with intussusception?

Answer 21

• Gas filled loops
• Firm mass
• Tight mesentery
• No feces
• Mucus and clotted blood

Question 22

T/F: Young animals are more predisposed to intussusception than older animals

Answer 22

True

• Young are predisposed - more susceptible than old
  
  • If <6mo and have GI obstruction, need to consider intussesception
  • Have more enteritis (increase motility), more active

Question 23

T/F: Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome is an acute enteric disease most frequently seen in beef cattle

Answer 23

False

Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome is an acute enteric disease most frequently seen in dairy cattle