Archive Case #9: Left Displaced Abomasum

Clinical Clues

1. A 5-year-old Holstein dairy cow is examined three weeks after calving.
2. The farmer reports a gradual drop in milk production and reduced appetite.
3. The cow appears mildly depressed and produces smaller amounts of manure.
4. On examination the cow has decreased rumen fill and mild ketosis.
5. A high-pitched ping is detected on auscultation and percussion of the left paralumbar fossa.
6. Gas accumulation within the abomasum allows the organ to float upward along the left abdominal wall.

Diagnosis

Left Displaced Abomasum

Left displaced abomasum commonly occurs in early lactation dairy cows when gas accumulation causes the abomasum to shift from its normal position.

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.