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Atresia recti/coli/ani correction

ISSN 2398-2993

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Introduction

  • Atresia coli and atresia ani et recti are the congenital condition that results in the inability to pass fecal material .
  • 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.
There are ethical and welfare concerns that should be considered prior to performing these procedures. Please see below for further information.

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.
  • 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

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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