Archive Case #226: Bovine Cecal Dilatation

Clinical Clues

1. A lactating cow has reduced milk yield, lower feed intake and mild intermittent abdominal discomfort.
2. Faecal output falls, but the cow remains standing and has no marked abdominal distension.
3. Simultaneous percussion and auscultation find a ping in the caudodorsal right paralumbar fossa.
4. Rectal examination palpates a large gas-filled cecum occupying the right caudal abdomen.
5. The cranial right abdomen lacks the more cranial ping pattern expected with a displaced abomasum.
6. At surgery for persistent obstruction, the cecum is enlarged with gas but has no axial twist or cecocolic volvulus, confirming simple cecal dilatation.

Diagnosis

Bovine Cecal Dilatation

Caudodorsal right pinging and a palpable gas-filled cecum localise the problem; the operative observation separates dilatation from cecal rotation. Right displaced abomasum can also ping on the right but usually has a more cranial focus, while cecocolic volvulus would add a twist and often greater distension. Remember: A right-sided ping is a location clue, not a diagnosis; rectal findings and evidence of rotation determine whether the cecum is dilated or twisted.

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