First report of a perforated abomasal ulcer in a beef heifer calf in Argentina

Year 2020, Volume: 4 Issue: 3, 131 - 135, 30.12.2020

Denisa Pérez Gaudio Flavio Pérez Gustavo Bretschneider

https://doi.org/10.30704/http-www-jivs-net.794447

Cited By: 1

Abstract

Abomasal ulcers are local processes of autodigestion of the mucosa caused by the disturbance of the balance between protective and aggressive mechanisms at the abomasal mucosa. Several causes have been suggested and a multifactorial origin has been proposed. Signs are mostly non-specific and vary among the different ulcer types. This report describes for the first time in Argentina the clinical case of a perforated abomasal ulcer that induced sudden death in a heifer calf at foot dairy. At necropsy, digestive content in the abdominal cavity and two ulcers in the abomasum mucosa were evident. One ulcer had a well-defined 3 cm diameter perforation. Its leading cause has not been determined. To minimize the risk of developing perforated abomasal ulcers, stressful management practices should be avoided.

Keywords

calf, abomasal ulcer, perforation

References

• Kureljušić, B., Ivetić, V., Savić, B., Jezdimirović, N., Cvetojević, Đ., Kureljušić, J. et al. (2013). Pathomorphological characteristics of abomasal ulcers in high-yielding dairy cows. Acta veterinaria, 63(2-3), 237-246.
• Marshall, T.S. (2009). Abomasal ulceration and tympany of calves. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, 25(1), 209-220.
• Braun, U., Bretscher, R. & Gerber, D. (1991). Bleeding abomasal ulcers in dairy cows. The Veterinary Record, 129(13), 279-284.
• Ceelen, H. (2010). Prevent abomasal ulcers. Vet’s Corner. Ontario Dairy Farmer. 74-75.
• Smith, D.F., Munson, L. & Erb, H.N. (1983). Abomasal ulcer disease in adult dairy cattle. The Cornell Veterinarian. 73(3), 213-224.
• Hund, A. & Wittek, T. (2017). Labmagengeschwüre beim Rind. Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe G: Großtiere/Nutztiere. 45(02), 121-128.
• Ahmed, A.F., Constable, P.D. & Misk, N.A. (2002). Effect of feeding frequency and route of administration on abomasal luminal pH in dairy calves fed milk replacer. Journal of Dairy Science. 85(6), 1502-1508.
• Mills, K.W., Johnson, J.L., Jensen, R.L., Woodard, L.F. & Doster, A.R. (1990). Laboratory findings associated with abomasal ulcers/tympany in range calves. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 2(3), 208-212.
• Jelinski, M.D., Ribble, C.S., Campbell, J.R. & Janzen, E.D. (1996). Descriptive epidemiology of fatal abomasal ulcers in Canadian beef calves. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 26(1), 9-15.
• Bähler, C., Regula, G., Stoffel, M.H., Steiner, A. & von Rotz, A. (2010). Effects of the two production programs ‘Naturafarm’and ‘conventional’on the prevalence of non-perforating abomasal lesions in Swiss veal calves at slaughter. Research in Veterinary Science. 88(2), 352-360.
• Brown, C.C., Baker, D.C., Barker, I.K. (2007). The alimentary system. In: Jubb K. F., Kennedy P. C. and Palmer N. editors. Pathology of domestic animals. Vol 5th ed. Academic Press, San Diego. USA. 1-297.
• Braun, U. (2016). Ascites in cattle: Ultrasonographic findings and diagnosis. Veterinary Clinics: Food Animal Practice, 32(1), 55-83.
• Katchuik, R. (1992). Abomasal disease in young beef calves: surgical findings and management factors. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 33(7), 459.
• Wittek, T., Ernstberger, M., Muckenhuber, M. & Flöck, M. (2016). Effects of wheat protein in milk replacers on abomasal emptying rate in calves. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 100(2), 264-270.