Mucosal changes associated with abomasal ulceration in veal calves

Department of Pathology, University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Langford.

The pyloric region of the abomasum of nine calves reared for veal and four conventionally reared calves aged from 12 to 18 weeks was examined. An increase in the depth of the mucosa with a loss of mucins in the region of erosions and ulcers was observed in the calves reared for veal. In the adjacent mucosa there was an increase in sulphated mucins in five of the seven veal calves with lesions. Focal areas of mucin loss without evidence of erosion or ulceration were recognised in one calf reared for veal and one conventionally reared calf.