Unusual and Severe Ruminal Impaction in a Goat-Kid: Clinical and Radiological Findings

Case description- a goat-kid with anorexia, weakness, depression, reluctant to move, poor condition, and generalized unthriftiness was admitted to the Veterinary Clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Clinical Findings- body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, hematologic indices including PCV, total and differential WBC and total RBC count were normal. In clinical examination, a ventral abdominal mass was palpable, but not visible. Radiography confirmed presence of dilated stomach which distended with gas or food material and displaced the intestines caudally. According to the history, physical findings, vital signs, hematologic indices and radiography, a severe ruminal impaction was diagnosed which confirmed by exploratory laparotomy and ruminotomy. Treatment and Outcome- After ruminotomy and evacuation of impacted ingesta, all clinical signs subsided after 10 days. Clinical Relevance- this case was reported because it illustrates some important consideration when dealing with cases of impaction. While feed impactions are moderately frequent in occurrence, ruminal impaction in goat-kids is rare, but can occur and must be noted.