Archive Case #127: Bovine Vagal Indigestion

Clinical Clues

1. A dairy cow has chronic abdominal enlargement and a declining appetite.
2. Fecal output is scant despite a visibly full abdomen.
3. Both sides of the abdomen are unevenly distended, creating a papple shape.
4. Rumen contractions are abnormal and a fluid splash is present.
5. The problem appears to involve impaired forestomach outflow.
6. Bovine vagal indigestion is functional failure of forestomach motility and passage.

Diagnosis

Bovine Vagal Indigestion

This case is most consistent with Bovine Vagal Indigestion because the cow has chronic papple-shaped abdominal distension with altered rumen function and reduced fecal output. The most important clues are the long course and forestomach outflow pattern, which make simple frothy bloat less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.