Therapy and clinical progress of cattle with dilatation and torsion of the caecum

Veterinar-Medizinische Klinik der Universitat Zurich, Switzerland.

One hundred and eleven heifers and cows with caecal dilatation and torsion were examined and their subsequent progress monitored. Using various criteria it was decided whether the animal was to be slaughtered or treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment consisted of a continuous drip infusion containing neostigmine and of purgatives such as liquid paraffin, sometimes in combination with sodium sulphate. Surgical treatment consisted of laparotomy on the right flank with emptying and sometimes partial resection of the caecum. Five animals had to be slaughtered before or during surgery and another five which developed severe peritonitis were slaughtered after surgery. Fifty-nine animals underwent surgery once without resection of the caecum and 20 with. Another 14 animals needed surgery twice.