Analysis of risk factors, clinical alterations and laboratory markers in cows with different types of abomasal displacement

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Abstract

Depending on the side in which the abomasal displacement occurs, abomasal displacement (AD) can be classified into different types, that directly influence clinical and laboratory alterations. The objective of this study was to analyze the main risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory alterations (energy, hormonal, mineral and enzymatic profile) of cows with different types of AD. We included 104 cows, attended at the Garanhuns Cattle Clinic, Campus of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, diagnosed with AD, with 67 cases of left AD (G2), 25 of right AD (G3), and 12 of abomasal volvulus (G4). The control group (G1) consisted of 19 clinically healthy cows. Quantitative data were tested using the ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and categorical variables were subjected to Fisher's exact test. A correlation study was carried out between quantitative variables within the groups and all analyses considered p <0.05. Among the risk factors identified, the intensified rearing system (96.15 %), breed (holstein [50.0 %]), and the number of parity (≤ 2 parity [49.04 %]) stand out. Among the clinical findings, dehydration, tachycardia, ruminal tympany, and abdominal distension were more frequent in animals from G3 and G4. Analysis of the energy profile demonstrated an increase in the levels of NEFAs, glucose, and cortisol in animals with AD compared to cows in the control group. Hypocalcemia and hypokalemia were observed in animals with AD, and hyperlactatemia was more pronounced in G4. A clinical-surgical intervention was performed in 86.54 % of animals, with a positive outcome in 76.92 % of cases, with no difference regarding the type of AD. Given the results, it is possible to verify the influence of the type of AD on the intensity of clinical-laboratory alterations, with greater implications for abomasal volvulus, with the predisposing factors for occurrence being identifiable and subject to appropriate control and prevention methods.
Keywords: abomasal volvulus; displaced abomasum; energetic metabolism; mineral profile.

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2026-04-27

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SILVA, T. A. DA et al. Analysis of risk factors, clinical alterations and laboratory markers in cows with different types of abomasal displacement. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 27 Apr.2026.

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