Comparison of laparotomic omentopexy vs. laparoscopic abomasopexy treatments of left displaced abomasum in dairy cows under field conditions: biochemical analysis

Abstract

The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the effects of the two methods (laparoscopic or laparotomic) of LDA (left displaced abomasum) correction under field conditions by means of survival rate and biochemical profile evaluation. Holstein cows from one farm with LDA over a 20-month period were included in the study. Cows underwent laparoscopic abomasopexy (Janowitz’s method, LS) or a laparotomic right flank omentopexy (Dirksen’s method, LT). Blood samples for biochemical analysis were taken just prior to surgery (D1) and on days 10 (D10) and 30 (D30) following surgery. Blood profiles of healthy cows identified from the farm’s routine transition cow monitoring program were used as control (C). Aiming to minimize disruptive effects of quite a long period of data collection, the cows’ biochemical profile was evaluated in three orthogonal comparisons: LS cows vs. control group, LT cows vs. control group, and LS cows vs. LT cows. The rate of animal survival was similar for both methods (loss of about 11% until 30 days after treatment). Most of the blood parameters from LS and LT groups were comparable in all three sampling terms indicating continual organism recovery. At D10 the difference of higher cholesterol concentration and lower haptoglobin concentration were favourable for the LS group (P < 0.05). Total protein, calcium, magnesium and albumin showed more positive dynamics in the LS group too. This proves previous laboratory and clinical indices of expediency of LDA laparoscopy treatment under field conditions.