Case report: a rare right abomasal displacement in a feedlot bull calf

Abstract

A Holstein male calf, less than 1 year old, was referred to the Veterinary Research and Teaching Hospital of University of Tehran (VRTH) with inappetence during the past 5 days and constipation. The first examination revealed depression and dehydration. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were 107 bpm, 24 rpm, and 38.5 °C, respectively. Dehydration and hyperemia were observed in the mucus membranes. The feces were soft and scant with a foul odor. The contraction of rumen was weak, twice per minute. A clear tympanic and splashing sound was heard on the middle third of the right side in the percussion of the 13th intercostal space. To confirm the reason of tympanic sound, paracentesis was performed in the area with the most tympanic sound in right and left side of the rumen. In rectal examination, the abomasum was palpated as a sac-like organ full of gas on the right, attached to the abdominal wall in the middle of the height of the body. The distension stage of the abomasum was moderate. Additional tests like handle-induced sternum stress and chest gripping were also carried out. To differentiate from other conditions, ECG was taken using electrocardiograph (single-canal Focoda, Japan) in base-apex lead (with the paper speed 25 mm s−1 and calibration of 10 mm equal to 10 mV). The pH of paracentesis fluid of the right abdomen was 5.5 but protozoa were found in the microscopic field. Handle and gripping tests were negative. Based on the elevated PCV, severe dehydration was confirmed. Total count and differential count of the leucocytes were indicated 14,500 WBC/μl, 57 % neutrophils, and 34 % lymphocytes, respectively. Seven percent band neutrophils (immature) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was 1.67:1. The number of immature neutrophils was 1015, which was more than the normal range (0–120 in each μl). Also, increased serum total protein (7.4 g/dl) and decreased serum Cl and K (85 and 2.4 mEq/l) were observed. Serum biochemical test showed hyperglycemia (170 mg/dl). In fecal culture, only Escherichia coli were isolated and there was no parasite in the floating test. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from abomasum fluid culture. In ECG, sinus tachycardia was detected due to no T-P segment. Diagnosis of abomasum right displacement was confirmed based on disease history, clinical signs, examination finding, and axillary test.