Studies on Clinical and Ultrasonographic Examinations in Cattle with Empty Rectum

Aim: The study was undertaken to elicit GI disturbances in cattle due to absence of feces and or
empty rectum.
Study Design: The study was conducted in clinical cases.
Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research
Institute, Orathanadu-614 625, India. The study was carried out during the year 2015-16.
Methodology: The animals with gradual reduction of dung and mucoid or scant and absence of feces
were selected for this study. All the selected animals subjected to clinical and thoraco-abdominal
ultrasound examination.
Results: In total twenty nine cattle were found to be affected with various GI disorders. The incidence
of GI disturbances was more (65.52%) in cross bred Jersey cow. The common clinical signs were
absence of feces (65.52%), anorexia (58.62%), scant/tarry/mucous coated foul smell feces (34.48%),
arched back (24.14%) and abdominal distention (24.14%). All selected 29 animals were subjected to
thoraco-abdominal ultrasonography which revealed peritonitis (31.03%), paralytic ileus with peritonitis
and pericarditis in each 10.34%, uroabdomen, intussusceptions, caecal dilatation, abomasal dilatation
and peritonitis with intussusceptions in each 6.90% and diaphragmatic hernia, reticular abscess,
omasal impaction and peritonitis with pericarditis in each 3.45%. Based on this study, clinical and
ultrasonographic examinations were found to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of GI disorders of
cattle with empty rectum.
Conclusion: Thoraco-abdominal Ultrasonography was found to be useful diagnostic imaging tool to
localize the lesions of the cattle with empty rectum. In large animal practice, thoracic and abdominal
ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis of thoraco-abdominal disturbances in cattle.