Differential diagnosis of the right sided "ping"

Abstract

When an auscultable “ping” is discovered on the right side of a bovine animal during physical examination, extreme care must be taken in evaluating its significance. Although the “ping” should be considered abnormal, it is not always an indication of a surgical condition. Conversely, it may be a life threatening condition requiring immediate surgical intervention.

The usual causes of a right sided “ping” are: 1) right displacement of the abomasum, 2) abomasal torsion, 3) cecal torsion, 4) gas in the abdominal cavity, 5) duodenal gas, and 6) colonic gas. Of these, the first three are generally considered surgical diseases and the last 3 are generally medical conditions.