Umbilical swelling in calves Flashcards
(22 cards)
Where do the umbilical vessels travel?
Umbilical vein going cranially up towards the liver
Urachus and two umbilical arteries are going caudally to the bladder and aorta
What do the following become?
Umbilical artery:
Umbilical vein:
Urachus:
Umbilical artery = Round ligament of the bladder
Umbilical vein = The round ligament in the falciform ligament
Urachus = Scar on bladder
Which two questions should be asked when gathering the history of an animal with an umbilical swelling?
When seen, progression?
Urination observed?
Describe the feature of the general clinical exam of a calf with an umbilical swelling
Check for spread / source of infection Suck reflex Joints – joint ill Lungs CNS
On palpation is the swelling is reducible into the abdomen it is …?
A simple hernia
On palpation is the swelling is partially reducible into the abdomen it is …?
Hernia and abscess
On palpation is the swelling is irreducible into the abdomen it is …?
Abscess Hernia complicated by: - Incarceration - Strangulation - Adhesions
Resistance of palpation =?
Pain
Pitting oedema = ?
urolithiasis & urethral rupture
How can you identify discharging tracts?
Pass a blunt probe – bitch urinary catheter:
- Does it go cranially or caudally?
- How far does it go in?
- Through the body wall?
- Where is this anatomically?
Inject radio-opaque contrast medium and take radiographs - superseded by ultrasonography
Describe B-mode ultrasonography for umbilical swellings detection and diagnosis
- Identify structure in mass e.g. abscess / pus, urachus, vessel, gut (+/- peristalsis)
- Detect areas of pus in urachus / vessels within abdomen and follow structures
- Detect peritonitis and adhesions of omentum to urachus or body wall
Describe using a paracentesis to investigate umbilical swelling
Only if swollen abdomen and signs suggestive of peritonitis - total protein and cytology.
Plasma total protein and Zinc sulphate or Sodium sulphite turbidity test are used for what reason?
To determine maternally derive antibody status
Why perform a differential white cell count?
indicate active infection if animal has had time to mount a response
Fibrinogen indicates?
Chronic inflammation
When can you leave a hernia in a calf?
1 finger diameter and reducible
How do you surgically approach a larger hernia
Butt together or “vest over pants”
Slowly absorbable; Vicryl braided, softest; PDS monofilament, may pull through
How do you surgically approach a hernia too large so that you can’t draw the edges together?
Polypropylene (Prolene) mesh – scrupulous hygiene
Describe post-op management following hernia surgery
MUST have minimum 1 month “box rest” and not turn out for 3 months after surgery to avoid breakdown.
Mix with smaller animals to avoid bullying
Describe the steps of hernia surgery
- Anaesthesia GA best
- Elliptical incision or Flap over skin and do straight incisions either side to retain sufficient skin
- Dissect down edges of hernial ring using Metzenbum dissection scissors to free peritonium
- Hernial sac falls back into abdomen allowing edges of ring to be drawn together
What are the agents that can cause umbilicus infection/abscesses outside the body wall
A. Pyogenes or E. Coli
How do you treat an umbilicus infection/abscesses outside the body wall
Antibiotic (amoxicillin O.K.)
+/- open abscess cavity and flush with saline / disinfectants twice daily
Need several weeks treatment or reoccur
