Gross Pathology of Abdominal Viscera

Abstract

Ulceration in the rumen of cattle, I think, commonly or more frequently represents a rapid change in diet, producing rumen acidosis which is followed by necrosis of the epithelium, and ulceration. These ulcers frequently can lead to rumen abscessation. Bacteria can get into the submucosa and then metastasize to the liver. Spherophorus necrophorus is most commonly in the textbooks associated with these lesions, but in our particular locality at Auburn we very seldom see it. Other organisms can cause it. Many fungal agents also get in the submucosa of the rumen, but the primary problem is acidosis. The lesion would be typical of a fungal infection starting out in the rumen. But rumen acidosis following a rapid change in diet is the primary cause of rumen ulceration. Other causes that should not be neglected are infectious, such as virus diarrhea.