Cecal Dilation in a Six Year Old Holstein Cow
A six year old, high-producing Holstein was referred for surgical treatment of a presumptive right sided displaced abomasum (RDA). She had calved five days previously, passed her fetal membranes normally, and now had an oblong right-sided ping extending from the 13th rib caudodorsally to the 9th intercostal space cranioventrally. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, gas-filled viscus on the right side of the abdomen and an enlarged, fluid-filled uterus on the right side of the abdomen. Point of care bloodwork showed mild hypocalcemia, hypochloremia, and anemia with a mildly high anion gap. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a gas-distended, hypomotile cecum and a normally positioned and apparently healthy abomasum. The cecum was decompressed, a prophylactic omentopexy was performed, and the patient recovered well with supportive care and restriction of highly fermentable feeds.