Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION

CHAPTER 8
Left
dorsal
quadrant
Right
dorsal
quadrant
Left
dorsal
quadrant
Left
ventral
quadrant
Right
ventral
quadrant
Figure 8.5 Ruminal bloat causing distention of the left dorsal quadrant of
the abdomen. Posterior view.
Figure 8.4 Normal silhouette of the lateral contours of the abdomen.
Posterior view.
CLINICIAN’S CHECKLIST – OBSERVATIONS
AT A DISTANCE
Signs of abdominal pain
Posture
Systemic signs associated with conditions of the abdomen
Body condition
Passage of faeces or faecal staining
Lateral abdominal silhouette
Left dorsal quadrant
Left ventral quadrant
Right dorsal quadrant
Right ventral quadrant
Ventral abdominal silhouette
Physical examination
Examination of the left abdomen
Examination of the left side of the abdomen is primarily
concerned with the assessment of the rumen
and reticulum and to check for evidence of a left
displaced abomasum.
Rumen and reticulum
The rumen can be palpated through the abdominal
wall at the left sublumbar fossa. An impression can
be obtained of the size and fullness of the rumen. In
the normal animal the contents of the upper part of
the rumen have a doughy consistency, but digital
pressure should not leave a lasting impression once
palpation ceases. In vagal indigestion there may be
rumen overfill with fibre and an impression of a fist
pushed into the sublumbar fossa will remain follow-
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