The occurrence of congenital intestinal atresia in the East of Ireland

Abstract

The main objective for conducting this survey was to find out if congenital atresia is more prevalent than presumed. The findings coincided with previous studies based on this subject. In a questionnaire based cross sectional study, the occurrence of congenital intestinal atresia in one geographical area of Ireland was examined. The survey was conducted by 100 farmers based on the East coast of Ireland. All cases occurred in the Holstein-Friesian breed, and atresia was recognised in 7 herds with 9 cases identified. It was found in both genders. All of the calves born were singletons; however males dominated the bulk of cases (77.8%). Clinical signs combined from previous and this current study showed the failure to pass meconium or feaces, decreased appetite and abdominal distension. The calves’ vitality after birth was examined to determine how severe their case was. Most affected showed moderate to very good vitality (surviving for one to three days). The farms with positive cases used rectal palpation as an early diagnosis method for pregnancy. This early palpation per rectum of the amniotic vesicle increases the risk of atresia. Palpation per rectum can damage the developing vasculature of certain intestinal segments and thereby cause this conditon. Veterinary intervention occurred in two cases which failed possibly due to the vets’ lack of experience. None of the affected survived. In conclusion to this thesis further investigation into congential atresia in calves is required.