Clinical Review of Intestinal Obstruction in Cattle

Abstract

Several conditions may lead to obstruction of the flow of ingesta through the intestinal tract(2,6). Mechanical accidents such as intussusception, volvulus, and strangulation, in which there is a physical occlusion of the intestinal lumen (1,2,4,6). Functional obstructions, such as those which occur with local or general paralytic ileus may mimic mechanical problems.(2,4,6). Congenital malformations may include atresia or constriction of portions of the gut and has been reported in calves and lambs(2,4,6). Compression stenosis by blood clot from an expressed corpus luteum site on an ovary, or traumatic duodenitis caused by migration of a metallic foreign body(2,5).

Intestinal carcinoma occurs very rarely in cattle(6). External pressure by mesenteric fat necrosis is a condition of cattle in all dairy, breeds(2,6). Luminal blockages occurs by phytobezoars, and trichobezoars(2,3). The clinical signs of these conditions include a reduction in the amount or a failure to pass feces, progressive abdominal enlargement and colic (2,6).