Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION

CHAPTER 8
9 10111213 Wing of ilium
Elbow
Figure 8.17 The topographical location
of abnormal pings that may be produced by
percussion and auscultation in the
presence of a left displaced abomasum:
a left lateral view.
using pH papers. If the pH is between 2 and 4 this
usually confirms the diagnosis if the clinical presentation
is consistent. If it is impossible to obtain a fluid
sample, a section of damp pH paper can be held close
to the hub of the needle in the stream of escaping gas
from the abomasum. The indicator paper should register
a low pH if the abomasum has been punctured.
Ultrasonography can be used to identify the displaced
abomasum as the folds of the abomasal mucosa
contrast with the papilliform mucosa of the
rumen. However, experience is required to differentiate
these two structures. Alternatively, if the abomasum
can be identified by ultrasonography in the
normal position just to the right of the ventral midline,
a diagnosis of left displaced abomasum can be
ruled out. Laparoscopy or surgical laparotomy will
allow direct visualisation to rule in or rule out a left
displaced abomasum.
CLINICIAN’S CHECKLIST – EXAMINATION
OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ABDOMEN
Detailed examination of any distension of the rumen
Assessment of rumen contents
Assessment of rumen motility by palpation and auscultation
Rumen fluid collection and analysis if required
Auscultation and percussion for a left displaced abomasum
Tests for anterior abdominal pain
Examination of the right side of
the abdomen
Examination of the right side of the abdomen is performed
to assess the gravid uterus, the abomasum,
the intestines and the liver.
Abomasum, intestines and the
gravid uterus
Abnormal contours identified earlier should be explored
in more detail. Distension of the right
sublumbar fossa may be seen with right-sided abomasal
or caecal dilatation and/or torsion. A distended
lower right flank is normal in the last trimester of
pregnancy. Other causes include distension of the
rumen in vagal indigestion, omasal impaction and
abomasal impaction.
The technique of simultaneous percussion and auscultation
is used to explore the right side of the body.
Pings produced by percussion and auscultation
represent abnormal accumulations of fluid and gas
within abdominal structures. The right body wall
should be examined by percussion and auscultation
dorsal and ventral of a line from the elbow to the
tubae coxae. Conditions producing pings include
abomasal dilatation, caecal dilatation or torsion, gas
in the rectum and pneumoperitoneum. The topographical
locations of the organs producing the
pings are shown in Fig. 8.18.
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