IMPACTION OF THE STOMACHS IN FARMED OSTRICHES (STRUTHIO-CAMELUS) IN BOTSWANA

Impaction of the proventriculus, gizzard, and sometimes intestines due to sand was confirmed at postmortem in 25 cases involving ostriches ( Struthio camelus). Although there was no age predisposition, impaction was more common in juvenile over 3 mo old. Clinical signs included st ernal recumbency, outstretched neck, debility, and inability to stand. Palpation of the impacted stomachs gave a gritty sensation. Depletion of coronary fat was a consistent postmortem finding. The most common material causing impaction was sand. This report highlights impaction as one of the major causes of debility and death in intensively farmed ostriches. High levels of alkaline phosphatase coupled with low level s of plasma glucose, protein, and albumin detected in impacted ostrich es may be useful diagnostic antemortem indicators of the syndrome.