One-Step Laparoscopic Abomasopexy for Left Displacements of the Abomasum in Pregnant Cattle: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Although technical descriptions have been published, the applicability of left-flank laparoscopy for the surgical correction of left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) in pregnant cattle has not yet been fully assessed. This study aimed to investigate the postoperative performance of one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy for the correction of LDA during late pregnancy. Fifteen pregnant Holstein cattle with LDA were treated with one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy between days 259 and 274 of gestation. This technique was performed in a standing position. Under endoscopic observation via trocars introduced from the left flank, the animals underwent a surgical procedure to place the bar part of a toggle–pin–suture (TPS) device into the lumen of the abomasum through a long cannula. A suture of a TPS device was secured to the ventral abdominal wall by using a long applicator. No cases experienced postoperative complications, and all had a normal delivery on postoperative day 17.4 ± 4.9. Three of the 15 animals exhibited foot diseases and mastitis after calving. The reproductive performance was recorded during lactation periods, showing a service conception rate of 2.9 ± 1.2 and 110.5 ± 39.1 open days. The one-year survival rate was 60% (9/15). The positive postoperative results demonstrate the benefits of one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy in pregnant bovine cases with LDA.

Keywords

• Holstein cattle
• left abomasal displacement
• one-step laparoscopic abomasopexy
• pregnant
• toggle–pin–suture