Ruminal impaction with an indigestible foreign body in long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus)

Abstract

A 6-year-old female long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus, goral) was admitted to the Gangwon wildlife medical rescue center due to severe starvation and hypothermia. The goral displayed clinical signs of severe weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, regurgitation, hypothermia, and bloating, with blood tests showing a decrease in albumin, calcium, glucose, and sodium. Supportive care was given through heating, oxygen supply, and fluid therapy, but the goral's condition worsened, and the goral died three days after admission. Radiographic and computed tomography scans revealed the presence of an indigestible foreign body (IFB) in the rumen, which was confirmed during the necropsy. The cause of goral's death was identified as chronic rumen impaction caused by the IFB (a ball of string), with other pathological findings including bloating, the presence of serous ascites, and congestion of digestive organs. Blood biochemical changes, clinical signs, and veterinary medical imaging diagnosis can be helpful in diagnosing ruminal impaction. This case report can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of ruminal impaction caused by IFB in endangered gorals, which may include rumenotomy or other surgical procedures.

A Case of Severe Abomasal Sand Impaction in a Farmed White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida

“…The lesions in this doe were consistent with prior case reports [ 8 , 27 ]. More severe sand impaction can lead to partial or complete obstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract, contributing to abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and scant feces [ 13 , 28 ]. The empty intestine in this case is consistent with other previous reports in the literature [ 1 , 27 ].…”