Surgical management of ruminal impaction in a crossbred holstein-friesian cow
Author(s): Kumaresan A, K Sindhu, Potukuri Sai Teja, S Kokila, S Kathirvel and S Dharmaceelan
Abstract: A 3-year-old female Holstein Friesian crossbred cow was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, with complaints of reduced feed intake, abdominal distension and scanty faecal output for the past four days. Clinical examination revealed a normal rectal temperature, pale mucous membranes and a hard, doughy rumen with diminished ruminal sounds and contractions. Rectal palpation indicated a firm rumen occupying the entire left abdominal quadrant. Haematological analysis showed elevated total leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage, suggestive of neutrophilic leucocytosis. Biochemical parameters were within normal limits and ultrasonographic evaluation revealed no significant abnormalities. Initial medical management with oral laxatives and intravenous calcium Boro gluconate failed to restore rumen motility. A standard laparo-rumenotomy was performed under strict aseptic conditions, during which large quantities of indigestible feed material were manually evacuated. The rumen was replenished with jaggery, rice bran and probiotics and the surgical site was closed following standard layered closure techniques. Post-operative care included fluid therapy, antibiotics, analgesics, and daily antiseptic dressing for five days. The cow resumed normal feeding and made a complete, uneventful recovery.
