Case report: type-3 ulcer in the abomasum of a fresh dairy cow

Abstract

Objectives: Ulcers in cattle are often overlooked and cause economic losses. Their vague clinical symptoms and infrequent occurrences make it difficult to diagnose and properly treat ulcers. Early diagnostic tools and effective management can significantly improve the well- -being of animals on the farm. Material and Method: This report examines a fresh dairy cow, which had entered its third lactation fourteen days prior to an elevated fat­ protein ratio in the milk and was diagnosed with a displaced abomasum. The cow was transported from a dairy farm to the Veterinary academy in Kaunas, where she suddenly died only ten minutes after the transportation. An autopsy concluded that death was caused by hypovolemic shock due to the perforation and internal bleeding of an ulcer in the abomasum. The cadaver lived on a farm, located in the central region of Lithuania, with a free­ stall setup keeping 1,200 milking cows with Lely Astronaut milking robots (Lely, Maassluis, The Netherlands) for automated milking. Results: Pre­ death findings: On the 9th day of milking the automatic milking system identified that cow had an elevated fat­ to­ protein ratio in the milk and was treated with IV liquids. Her condition seemed stable, but on the 14th DIM, based on the clinical signs, veterinary staff diagnosed her with an abomasum displacement to the left. It was scheduled for surgery the next day. Autopsy findings: The autopsy confirmed the type 3 perforated ulcer caused fibrinous peritonitis and anemia. Fibrin and green feed deposits were observed on the outer surfaces of the abdominal organs. The perforated ulcer had caused internal bleeding, which had coagulated and mixed with feed inside the abomasum and intestinal tract. Conclusion: Abomasal ulcers are challenging to diagnose, requiring specialized equipment or surgical procedures. Unfortunately, ulcers are often only identified during post­ mortem examinations because their symptoms are similar to those of other abdominal diseases. This condition requires deeper observation of the animal’s clinical signs and a fast response.