Abomasal rupture in cattle

The clinical history, findings and course of illness in 20 cattle with abom asal rupture is described from a retrospective study of records. All cases, except two, were in Simmental (Fleckvieh) cattle, fifteen were male and fi ve female. The study involved a search of records of cattle of all ages, bu t only calves up to the age of three months were affected Two animals had b een fed on milk or milk replacer and for eighteen animals these were the ma in feed source, which is assumed to be of pathogenetic significance. Onset of disease was sudden in all animals with marked abdominal distension occur ring initially in almost all cases. Even though the calves were referred to the clinic rapidly, the majority were in. a marked state of shock and two were dead on arrival. Significant clinical findings occurred included recum bency (17/18) and severe abdominal distension in most cases. The absence of a ping and splashing sounds or diffuse sounds of very low intensity an per cussion and ballottment indicate abomasal rupture. From the course of the i llness, the clinical and necropsy findings it is assumed that rupture was p receeded by severe abomasal dilatation, with or without torsion. It was not possible to determine whether rupture occurred spontaneously or as a conse quence of therapeutic measures before hospitalisation. Puncture was used in six cases and a trocar had been inserted in three cases. Abomasal ulcers w ere not observed in any of the cases. Currently, once abomasal rupture has occurred spontaneously death is inevitable.