Surgical management of omphalitis in calves
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Date
2003
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Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
Abstract
The study was carried out in twelve . selected clinical cases of
umbilical infections in calves of different breeds of either sex presented to
the Veterinary College Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai. These animals
were divided into two groups viz., Group I and Group II, each consisting of
six animals.
In Group I, the calves with extra-abdominal umbilical infection and in
Group II, the calves with combined extra-abdominal and intra abdominal
umbilical infections were included.
The calves in Group I were within the age group of eight weeks and
had the history of swelling at the umbilicus for at least a period of eight days
which varied in its type, consistency, and tenderness on palpation. The size
of the swelling was maximum of 10.5 cm in diameter with no connection or
extension into the abdominal cavity. The swelling was either draining to the
exterior through a fistula or closed. The cavity of the swelling was from 3.4
cm to 15 cm in length containing pus which varied in its consistency, color
and odour. The physiological parameters were all within normal range. The
haemogram was also within physiological range except for an increase in the
neutrophil count. Abdominal palpation and retrograde contrast radiography
confirmed that the swelling is confined to the exterior of the abdomen. The
causative organisms were detected and the calves were successfully treated
by routine drainage and dressing. All the calves recovered completely except
one, which had recurrence of the infection during the study period.
In Group II, the calves were aged between one month to five months
and the maximum duration of the illness five months was reported from the
oldest calf in that group. They had history of recurrence or persistence of
umbilical swelling after the treatment of the swelling. The swelling was
either open or closed from which pus was obtained. The swellings were
mostly hot and hard. The pus varied in its consistency, colour and odour.
The swellings could be felt on abdominal palpation as an extension of the
umbilicus towards the liver and bladder. The extent of the cavity was
measured by a probe and was able to measure 20 cm long tract. The
respiration rate, pulse rate and the rectal temperature were found to be within
the normal range. The haemogram showed leucocytosis and an increase in
the neutrophil count. The affected structures were identified as umbilical
vein that was extending towards the liver and as urachus which was
extending towards the bladder by retrograde contrast radiography. The
causative organisms were identified and the calves were successfully treated
by surgical excision of the affected structures along with the umbilicus.
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Citation
172081