Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with caecal and colonic dilatation

Abstract

The present study was conducted to describe the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings of caecal and colonic dilatation in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A total number of forty buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: control group (n = 20) and diseased group (n = 20). Diseased buffalo were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Assiut University-Egypt. Each of the diseased animals was subjected to clinical, rectal, laboratory and ultrasonographic examinations. Clinically, buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed reduced appetite, distended right abdomen, abdominal pain and tensed abdomen. Rectal examination indicated empty rectum with the presence of mucus and dilated loop of caecum and/or colon. Buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed significant (P < 0.05) hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia with significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK). Ultrasonographically, the dilated caecum and proximal loop of colon occupied the last right three intercostal space (ICSs) particularly their ventral part, intertangled with the liver dorsally in these ICSs. Dilated colon did not hinder the visibility of the liver. The dilated caecum/colon also filled the whole right flank region, with hiding of right kidney, loops and peristaltic movement of the small intestines. The closest wall of the dilated caecum and proximal loop of the colon was imaged as thick semi-circular echogenic line. The furthest wall and contents of dilated caecum/colon were not imaged. In conclusion, buffalo with caecal and/or colonic dilatation have non-specific clinical and laboratory findings; however the affected animals show characteristic ultrasonographic findings.

Differential diagnosis of bovine intestinal diseases and their sequelae regarding ultrasonography and other diagnostic tools

“…Monocytic leukocytosis in this study was recorded in the SI ileus and cecal/colonal dilatation. These findings follow those mentioned by the findings of other authors [8,11,15,30]. The other blood picture indices in the present study were within the reference values reported by Khalphallah et al [1], Morrow et al [31], Rosenberger [32], Radostits et al [33], and Jackson and Cockcroft [34].…”

“…Furthermore, the currently reported findings added that dilated cecum and/or colon extended to the last right three ICSs because they were intertangled with the liver dorsally and obscured SI loops ventrally. In addition, Khalphallah et al [8] reported similarity in the ultrasonographic appearance of the cecum and proximal loop of the colon. Therefore, differentiating between them, either in healthy or diseased buffaloes, was difficult.…”

“…Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed either in the SI ileus or in cecal/colonal dilatation. Khalphallah et al [5,8] reported significant hypoproteinemia and an increase in serum AST and ALK activities in cases of IO and cecal dilatation in Available at www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.14/June-2021/17.pdf buffaloes. Moreover, Maclachlan and Cullen [35] reported elevated serum concentrations of total proteins and globulins in the intestinal disturbances in large ruminants.…”

“…Preliminary diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders in ruminants is achievable by the usual diagnostic measures (e.g., visual inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation) [1][2][3]. However, a definitive diagnosis requires ultrasonography [4][5][6][7][8]. Intestinal obstruction (IO) is a potentially life-threatening disorder in all large animals, particularly in horses [9].…”

Hepatobiliary diseases in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings

“…In recent years, ultrasonography has become an increasingly important tool for diagnosis of various abdominal disorders in bovine practice [ 9 ]. Several studies concerned with ultrasonography of digestive system disorders have been carried out in buffalo, particularly studies into TRP [ 2 4 19 22 ] and intestinal disorders [ 20 21 ], and cattle [ 24 29 ]. However, there are few studies describing ultrasonographic results associated with hepatobiliary diseases in buffalo [ 1 ].…”