Bovis ISSN 2398-2993

Abomasal displacement: non-surgical management

Introduction

• Left displaced abomasum (LDA) surgery is common in dairy cattle, and many different surgical and non-surgical techniques exist.
• Each technique has various advantages and disadvantages.
• The non-surgical techniques are considered here; rolling and the percutaneous fixation using the Grymer-Sterner toggle technique.

Uses

• To correct left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cattle.

Advantages

• Non-surgical correction is quick, cheaper than surgical correction and easy to perform.
• The techniques are non-invasive and generally carry fewer risks of complication.

Disadvantages

• Lower success rate than surgical correction, according to current literature (2017).
• Rolling carries a high risk of recurrence.
• Some risk of complications from 'toggle' technique if performed incorrectly, eg where toggle is poorly inserted and causes damage to other abdominal viscera.

Alternative techniques

Time required

Decision taking

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare