Ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract in cattle

Abstract

Ultrasonography is an ideal diagnostic tool for investigating gastrointestinal disorders in cattle. In animals with traumatic reticuloperitonitis, inflammatory fibrinous changes and abscesses can be imaged. Ultrasonography can be used to assess the size, position, and contents of the abomasum. This article describes the ultrasonographic techniques used for examination of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, abomasum, small intestine, and large intestine. The normal findings are presented followed by a description of the most important diseases of these organs.