Abomasal impaction in Holstein-Friesian cows: 80 cases (1980–2003)

Objective—To determine clinical examination findings, clinicopathologic abnormalities, and outcome of treatment in dairy cattle with abomasal impaction. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—80 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows ≥ 2 years old. Procedure—Medical records of cattle with abomasal impaction admitted between 1980 and 2003 were retrieved, and data were extracted. Results—All cows were reported to have decreased food intake; concurrent diseases were identified in 54 (68%). Seventeen cows did not have detectable ruminal motility, but physical examination findings were nonspecific and variable. In general, cattle had mild hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hyperglycemia, but serum potassium and chloride concentrations were typically within reference limits. Fifty-five (69%) cattle had impaction of the pyloric antrum alone, and 25 (31%) had impaction of the abomasal body and pyloric antrum. Right flank laparotomy and abomasal massage were performed in 73 cattle. After surgery, 54 (74%) cattle receive...