I casi della clinica : laparocele in un vitello

The case is described of a 4-day-old Italian Friesian calf, weighing 35 kg, which presented with a voluminous swelling in the ventral region of the abdomen. Apart from the swelling, the calf was generally in good condition. The swelling, 15 * 5 cm in size, extended from the umbilicus to the prepubic region, was cold and not painful. Differential diagnoses considered laparocele (coeliocele), an abscess and a haematoma. Ultrasound examination was used for definitive diagnosis. Results of the examinations and surgery suggested that a haematoma had caused the incomplete closure of the foetal abdominal wall, resulting in the appearance of the laparocele after birth. The surgical treatment of the condition, to which the calf responded positively, is described.