GRAVEL OBSTRUCTION IN THE ABOMASUM OR DUODENUM OF 2 COWS

Two Holstein cows from dry lot dairies were evaluated because of clini cal signs of depression, anorexia, and decreased milk production. Bila teral abdominal distention and decreased fecal output were found on ph ysical examination. Results of serum biochemical analyses indicated th at the cows that severe hypochlo remic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosi s. On the basis of physical examination and laboratory findings, an ob struction of the abomasum or cranial portion of the small intestine wa s suspected in these cows and abdominal exploratory surgery was perfor med. A mass of gravel was found in the pyloric antrum of the abomasum of 1 cow and the descending duodenum of the other cow The duodenal obs truction aas removed by enterotomy and the pyloric mass was manually r educed during surgery. The cows were treated with antibiotics and isot onic saline solution (NaCl) supplemented with potassium chloride and r ecovered quickly after surgery.