DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS OF INT ESTINAL MESENTERIC TORSION IN CATTLE

Torsion of the intestinal mass around the cranial root of the mesenter y occurs suddenly and has a peracute course. In the present study, 100 cases hospitalised between 1985 and October 1991 were evaluated. The number of cases per year varied between 7 and 26; 76 were males; 92 we re Simmentals (Fleckvieh); 86 were between 1 week and 6 months of age and 7 were younger or older. Forty-three cases were from fattening uni ts, 41 from dairy farms and for 16 cases the type of herd was not reco rded. Milk had been fed exclusively to 25 cases, milk and solid feed t o 59 and 16 had been weaned. The predominant initial clinical sign was colic, followed by damage to the intestinal mass and peritonitis as a consequence of the torsion. A right-sided laparotomy was performed on 92 animals, either in lateral recumbency (calves) or in the standing position (adults). For recumbent animals, the intestinal mass was exte riorized, the torsion corrected and the intestines re placed. Preventi on of shock was by a continuous drip infusion of physiological saline, and glucocorticords if indicated. With respect to the outcomes: four animals were euthanised after hospitalisation and 92 received surgery, with animals being 13 euthanised during surgery. Twenty-five animals died of shock within 24 hours of surgery, 13 died 2 to 7 days after su rgery and 41 were successfully treated. There were clear interrelation ships between the duration of the disease, the clinical status of the animals and the prognosis. The most important prerequisites for a rapi d and complete recovery following intestinal mesenteric torsion are ea rly diagnosis and surgical correction.