Surgical Management of Oesophageal Obstruction in Cows-A Report of Two Crossbreds

Two crossbred Jersey cows were presented with severe bloat, respiratory distress, copious drooling of saliva and inability to swallow since last two days. Clinical examination revealed normal rectal temperature and increased heart and respiratory rate. On abdominal auscultation and percussion of left paralumbar fossa, a high pitched ping was heard due to free gas bloat. Swelling was observed at brisket region and object was palpable in jugular furrow. Attempt to pass a probang in the oesophagus caudal to mid cervical region was unsuccessful. Based on history and clinical symptoms, the condition was diagnosed as oesophageal obstruction and trocarization of rumen to relieve bloat and oesophagotomy to relieve oesophageal obstruction in lateral recumbency were undertaken. Routine post-operative care was provided for five days and animal had an uneventful recovery by tenth day of treatment.