Bovine Displaced Abomasum

What is the most common type of abomasal displacement in cattle?

Left Displaced Abomasum (LDA)

What is the difference between LDA and RDA?

LDA = abomasum displaced between rumen and left body wall; RDA = abomasum displaced to right side, may progress to volvulus

What is abomasal volvulus?

Twisting of the abomasum on its mesenteric axis, leading to obstruction, ischemia, necrosis, and shock

What is the underlying pathophysiology of displaced abomasum?

Abomasum fills with gas, loses motility, floats and shifts from its normal ventral position

What are risk factors for displaced abomasum?

Periparturient period, high-concentrate low-fiber diets, ketosis, hypocalcemia, mastitis, metritis

What is the most common timing of LDA after calving?

Within 2-4 weeks postpartum

What dietary condition is strongly associated with displaced abomasum?

High-concentrate, low-fiber diets → reduced rumen fill and decreased motility

What is the hallmark clinical sign of displaced abomasum?

Ping on auscultation and percussion due to gas in the abomasum

Where is the ping heard for LDA?

Left side, 9th-13th intercostal space

Where is the ping heard for RDA?

Right paralumbar fossa, 9th-13th ribs

What clinical signs are common in LDA?

Decreased milk production, reduced feed intake, ketonuria, mild dehydration, left-sided ping

What clinical signs are common in RDA?

Right-sided ping, more acute signs, abdominal pain, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis

What additional signs appear with abomasal volvulus?

Rapid deterioration, shock, cold extremities, weak pulse, severe dehydration

What are typical lab findings with LDA/RDA?

Hypochloremia, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis

How is LDA diagnosed?

Clinical signs, left-sided ping, decreased feed/milk, rectal exam shows rumen displaced to the right

How is RDA diagnosed?

Right-sided ping, rectal palpation of gas-filled abomasum, signs of systemic illness if volvulus occurs

What is the primary treatment for LDA?

Surgical correction via right flank omentopexy or left flank abomasopexy

What is the roll-and-toggle technique?

A non-surgical method to fix LDA by repositioning the abomasum and fixing it with a toggle suture while cow is on her back

What is the primary treatment for RDA or volvulus?

Right flank omentopexy with correction of displacement and torsion; emergency surgery for volvulus

Why is right flank omentopexy preferred for RDA and volvulus?

Provides best access to abomasum, allows repositioning, and stabilizes abomasum to prevent recurrence

What complications are associated with abomasal volvulus?

Abomasal necrosis, septicemia, peritonitis, shock, death

What is essential pre-operative treatment for RDA/volvulus cases?

IV fluid therapy with potassium and chloride, correction of acid-base and electrolyte imbalances

What metabolic abnormality is most consistent with abomasal volvulus?

Severe hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis

What is the prognosis for LDA with surgery?

Good if corrected promptly and no severe concurrent disease

What is the prognosis for RDA with volvulus?

Guarded to poor depending on duration, tissue necrosis, and response to surgery

What are prevention strategies for abomasal displacement?

High-fiber diets, gradual feed transitions, manage periparturient metabolic diseases (e.g. ketosis), adequate calcium