Recurrent Rumen Tympany Caused by Trichobezoars in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): A Series Report

Abstract

This series report was carried out for 3 years on 15 buffaloes suffering from recurrent rumen tympany associated with trichobezoars. Full case history, thorough clinical examination, ferroscopy, and vaginal and trans-rectal examination were carried out in all cases. The affected buffaloes were treated with rumenotomy. All cases were lactating buffaloes and had heavy hair coat. The age of affected buffaloes ranged between 5-10 years. Clinical signs included anorexia, depression, sharp decrease in milk yield, intermittent respiratory distress, recurrent rumen tympany and dehydration. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed leukocytosis, hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Rumenotomy was curative in all cases and revealed trichobezoars in either rumen (n=14) or rumen and reticulum (n=1). Trichobezoars were black and their number ranged between 2-6 balls/animal. The diameter and weight of the removed hairballs ranged between 10-40 cm and 100-370 g, respectively. All operated animals recovered and gained their normal milk production one day post operative. In conclusion, trichobezoars should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent rumen tympany in buffaloes.