Clinical and laboratorial alterations of gastrointestinal obstruction by phytobezoar in cattle

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to describe the clinical and laboratorial findings of gastrointestinal obstruction by phytobezoar in cattle. Twenty-five cases were analyzed which the animals received diets composed mainly by cactus forage (Opuntia sp), and scarce and low quality roughage. The disease showed acute and subacute evolutions, with state of apathy, dehydration, tachycardia, anorexia, colic, rumen and intestine hypomotility, with the last one being fulfilled with liquid. The feces were rare, there was just mucus in some and phytobezoar palpation was possible in intestinal segments of some animals. Ruminal fluid characteristics were altered. The hematology revealed hyperfibrinogenemia and leukocytosis by neutrophilia.