DUODENO-ABOMASAL REFLUX IN COWS WITH ABOMASAL DISPLACEMENT

The aim of this study was to investigate abomaso-duodenal digesta tran sport during abomasal displacement and after surgical correction of th e abomasum, using intra-abomasal bile acid concentration. In healthy c ows, bile acids were found in the abomasum, indicative of duodeno-abom asal reflux being a physiological event. In cows with left abomasal di splacement (LDA), right abomasal displacement (RDA) and abomasal volvo lus (AV), abomasal bile acid concentration was significantly higher th an in healthy control cows. This was found to be true during surgery, on the first dar as well as on the third day after surgery. Abomasal b ile acid concentration was significantly different between LDA, RDX an d AV, with LDA, RDX and AV showing lowest, intermediate and highest va lues respectively. In those with LDA and RDX, abomasal bile acid conce ntration significantly increased from surgery to first day after surge ry, and decreased from first to third day after surgery. In AV cows, h owever, bile acid concentration declined constantly from surgery to th ird day after surgery. These findings indicate pathological duodeno-ab omasal reflux during abomasal displacement and after surgical correcti on of the abomasum. Reflux seems to differ between forms of displaceme nt (LDA < RDA < AV and during recovery. Pathological duodeno-abomasal reflux is discussed as a consequence of functional and/or mechanical i mpediments on abomaso-duodenal digesta transport during abomasal displ acement and after surgical correction of the abomasum.