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Atresia recti/coli/ani correction
Introduction
- Atresia coli and atresia ani et recti are the congenital condition that results in the inability to pass fecal material
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- Atresia ani is the congenital condition in which calves are born with either a small opening or no opening at all at the anus due to a failure of the anal membrane to break down.
- Atresia coli is the congenital condition in which calves are born with a section of the colon or large bowel that is incomplete (fibrous attachment between two segments) or absent.
- The condition of atresia ani is a heritable condition.
- There is strong evidence to suggest that atresia coli is a heritable condition. It has also been suggested that early rectal palpation (fetus < 41 days of age) of cows and therefore subsequent damage to the amniotic vesicle and fetal blood supply to the intestine may cause the development of the congenital condition.
- Atresia coli is commonly reported in dairy calves (especially Holstein Holstein Friesian Friesian calves- prevalence of 0.76%).
- It is likely that atresia ani is the most common atresia encountered, however atresia coli and jejuni are more commonly reported in the literature.
- Surgical correction is required to manage these conditions.
Uses
- Surgical intervention for the correction of atresia of various segment of the intestinal tract.
Advantages
- Surgical correction is required to correct the congenial conditions.
Disadvantages
- Invasive procedure.
- The overall success rate is poor for long term survival and future productivity (remaining in the herd).
Technical problems
- For the condition of atresia coli:
- The degree of atresia of the colon- large portion of the colon or complete absence of the spiral colon may result in termination of surgery.
- For the condition of atresia ani:
- The degree of atresia of the anus and rectum- large portion of rectum +/- colon may result in termination of surgery.
- Some animals will experience recto-vaginal or urethral fistulas which need to be located and transected in females.
Time required
Preparation
- 15 – 20 minutes.
Procedure
- 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Except when there is only a membrane at the anus, the procedures discussed are major and the animal will require anaesthesia and excellent nursing post-operatively.
- Even with use of NSAIDs Anti-inflammatory drugs and nursing care, there will inevitably be discomfort or pain post-operatively.
- It must be decided whether this operation can be justified, on welfare grounds, or whether euthanasia would be more appropriate.
- The quality of post-operative care will vary from farm to farm and this consideration should be part of the decision making process.
- The decision to perform surgery in dairy calves also needs to be weighed up with the future prospects of the animal.
- If the animal survives the surgery the condition is heritable and therefore may be passed to future progeny.
- If undertaking this procedure then vets should advise farmers of this and should advise that the animal is also neutered – making this only really a viable treatment option for male calves.
- Euthanasia should be considered.
- If the animal survives the surgery the condition is heritable and therefore may be passed to future progeny.
- Calves less than 72 hours of age are more likely to have a successful procedure than calves that are greater than 5 days of age.
- Definitive diagnosis of atresia coli could be determined by:
- Right Flank laparotomy Flank laparotomy.
- Consider welfare implications of performing this procedure.
- Ensure you have adequate post-operative care facilities before embarking on laparotomy.
- Radiographic barium study
- Right Flank laparotomy Flank laparotomy.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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