Clinical Need
In farm animal medicine, possibilities for diagnostics are often limited in comparison to the companion animals. This is due to the fact that the work is on farm instead of in a clinic, this makes several diagnostic procedures often too time consuming. An extra reason to make optimal use of the diagnostics that are available most of the time, like ultrasound.
The calf in colic: surgery or no surgery?
Ileus is a common illness seen in calves. The causes of ileus can broadly be divided in two subcategories: a mechanical ileus or a paralytic ileus. The treatment of both subcategories differ completely. In a mechanical ileus surgery is almost always needed, while a paralytic ileus can best be treated by conservative therapy (1).
But how can we decide upon the cause of ileus in a specific calf?
Next to our clinical examination of the animal, blood analysis (if possible) or analysis of free fluid in the abdomen (preferably punctured under ultrasound guidance) can support the decision making process. But also ultrasound can be a valuable tool (1). Most large animal vets already work with ultrasound on a regular basis, and have an ultrasound machine quickly available. Unfortunately, these ultrasound machines are often only used for reproduction in horses/cows and/or tendon problems in horses. But in the case of colic in the calf, this ultrasound machine can be valuable in the decision making process.
Clinical Solution
With a big convex probe (for example AC 2541) organs like liver, small intestines, omasum, etc. can be visualized in a transabdominal way. Also the endo rectal transducer can be used to get a better overview about other parts of the abdomen than uterus and ovaries only. This can help the clinician in diagnosing enteritis, dilated intestines, peritonitis, invaginations etc. With this information the veterinarian can decide in a more informed way what’s the best therapy for the patient. Next to that it gives you an idea about the prognosis of the patient.
