Caecal dilatation as a sequel to colonic fecalith obstruction in bovines
COLONIC FECALITH IN BOVINES
Abstract
This report describes the colonic fecalith as an etiology to caecal dilatation leading to complete intestinal obstruction in bovines. Four bovines (3 buffaloes and one Holstein Friesian crossbred cow); aged 2-4 years were presented with the primary complaint of loss of defecation, anorexia and mild pain from 4-11 days. Per rectal findings revealed rectum with white thick mucus or scanty feces, dilated small intestines and distended caecum. The heart rate was marginally increased in all bovines and abnormally increased in one buffalo. The respiration rate and rectal temperatures were within the normal range. Ultrasonography revealed swirling motility in small intestines with moderately increased peritoneal fluid and a distended cecum in right upper flank. All the bovines were anemic and showed increased total protein in serum.
Right flank laparotomy under local anaesthesia was done in all the bovines in recumbent (n=2) or standing (n=2) position as they were not responding to medicinal therapy. The surgical findings were dilated descending duodenum, dilated small intestine, moderately distended caecum with soft contents, increased peritoneal fluid and a hard intraluminal mass (fecalith) in the ascending colon. In the cow, the caecal volvulus was also detected. The exteriorization of the fecalith was not possible in all the buffaloes, so it was gently moved towards the dilated part of colon and was kneaded/broken down to relieve obstruction. In the cow, the fecalith was successfully exteriorized and enterotomy was done to remove it. Intra and post-operative treatment included fluid therapy, antibiotics, analgesics and pro-kinetics (injection lignocaine hydrochloride @ 1.3mg/Kg, intravenous divided in 5 liters of saline). All the bovines passed profuse semisolid feces within 8 hours of surgery.
In conclusions, colonic fecalith may be included as an etiology for caecal dilatation in bovines. Surgical kneading or retrieval of fecalith from the colon through right flank laparotomy is successful in treating the bovine.
