Extra-luminal Intestinal Obstructions in Young Ruminants

Abstract

Background: Extra-luminal intestinal obstructions in young calves are acute conditions that most frequently occur in animals up to 2 months of age and can lead to death if there is no prompt veterinary intervention. The presumptive diagnosis is made through the association of clinical signs with findings from laboratory tests and imaging. However, the conclusive diagnosis can only be obtained through exploratory laparotomy. This paper reports 4 cases of extra-luminal intestinal obstruction in cattle up to 18 months of age treated in Lavras-MG. 

Cases: Over a period of 2 years, 4 ruminants were treated, showing clinical signs suggestive of extra-luminal intestinal obstructions, such as absence of intestinal movements, diarrhea, signs of pain, apathy, recumbency, and when they were able to stand, difficult and staggering gait. Case 1. An 18-month-old, male Holstein calf, died on the farm before the clinical diagnosis could be concluded. Necropsy revealed a jejunal twist with necrosis of the affected intestinal segment, as well as a significant inflammatory response, as all organs were covered by fibrin and adhered in a single mass. Case 2.  A 6-month-old Holstein, was referred to the hospital primarily due to recurrent tympany observed during the week. After clinical evaluation and recommendation for exploratory laparotomy, the animal underwent the procedure, where a fibrosed and markedly thickened urachal remnant was found, incarcerating portions of the colon, leading to ischemic lesions and necrosis. Case 3. A 2-month-old Tabapuã calf, was hospitalized for the treatment of a severe case of hepatogenous photosensitization when it manifested clinical signs of acute abdominal pain and was referred for surgery, where a mesenteric twist was observed. In both animals, euthanasia was performed due to necrosis and extensive ischemic lesions in the intestinal loops. Case 4.  A 1-month-old, female Gir calf, was admitted for the treatment of a severe diarrhea episode that had lasted for 1 week. A few hours after the initial consultation and with the help of ultrasound, which revealed extremely dilated intestinal loops and others collapsed or poorly distended, both without motility, the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was made. The calf was immediately referred for surgery, where a twist in the mesenteric root was found, with no major local complications; however, the ruminant died before the procedure could be completed. 

Discussion:  In all cases, changes in the color of the peritoneal fluid and the presence of fibrin in the abdominal cavity were observed, indicating an inflammatory response and vascular injury. The most severe case occurred in the first ruminant, while the mildest was in the fourth case, where veterinary intervention was performed a little faster compared to the others. All ruminants were referred for necropsy, which revealed changes consistent with the acute course and severity of the clinical condition, highlighting that cases of acute abdominal pain should be treated as emergencies, requiring early and rapid diagnosis. In this context, it is essential to emphasize the importance of further studies on mechanical intestinal disorders in ruminants, both young and adult, aiming to optimize clinical management, early diagnosis, and treatment implementation.

Keywords: bowel, jejunal torsion, ascending colon strangulation, mesenteric root torsion.