Diagnosis of deaths due to digestive disorders can be a difficult task
. It is helpful if the carcass can be viewed for condition, position,
and location before being moved from the pen in which it was found. A
complete necropsy is absolutely necessary even though postmortem decom
position may be advanced. All thoracic and abdominal organs must be ex
amined for gross lesions. If one believes that the central nervous sys
tem was involved, the brain should be removed and examined. Checking t
he ruminal pH is important. If indicated, samples should be obtained a
nd submitted to a diagnostic laboratory. Salient lesions include conge
stion of the anterior portion of the carcass, especially the cervical
muscles and tissues adjacent to the esophagus and trachea, paleness of
the posterior portion of the carcass, edema between the muscle groups
of the hindquarters, scrotal, or mammary area, and a lack of other gr
oss lesions. Many cases have congestion and(or) edema in the submucosa
of the dorsal portion of the trachea extending from the thoracic inle
t cranially. One must list the cause of death as unknown or undetermin
ed when it is not apparent.