Vagal indigestion in mini-cattle

Vagal indigestion (VI) is a digestive disorder characterized by the dysfunction of the vagus nerve. This disorder leads to changes in forestomach motility. The causes of VI are varied. Failure to transport digestive contents may occur due to mechanical obstruction or a neurogenic origin. There are few reports in the literature regarding this disease in mini-cattle. These cattle seem to be predisposed to the development of VI. The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic aspects of mini-cattle diagnosed with VI. The medical records of nine mini-cattle diagnosed with VI were retrospectively reviewed. Mini-cattle were referred to the Large Animal Hospital in Botucatu, Brazil, from 2002 to 2021. It was observed that VI affected young mini-cattle. The predominant clinical manifestations were intermittent gas ruminoreticular tympanism with increased volume in the left paralumbar fossa and increased volume in the right ventral region (apple/pear aspect), hypomotility in ruminal auscultation and the presence of pasty stools. The mean heart rate of the animals was 75 beats per minute. In one case, bradycardia was observed by electrocardiogram and Holter monitor system. In this case, the predominance of parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system was observed. The main hematological findings were leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. The therapeutic approach included ruminal fistulation and the implantation of a permanent rumen cannula. All animals undergoing the procedure were discharged with daily care instructions. RESUMO: A indigestão vagal (IV) é um distúrbio digestivo caracterizado pela disfunção do nervo vago. Esse distúrbio leva a alterações na motilidade dos pré-estômagos. As causas da IV são variadas. A falha no transporte do conteúdo digestivo pode ocorrer por obstrução mecânica ou pode ser de origem neurogênica. Há poucos relatos na literatura a respeito dessa enfermidade em mini-bovinos. Esses bovinos parecem estar predispostos ao desenvolvimento de IV. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais e eletrocardiográficos de mini-bovinos diagnosticados com IV. Os prontuários de nove mini-bovinos diagnosticados com IV foram revisados retrospectivamente. Os mini-bovinos foram encaminhados ao Hospital de Grandes Animais de Botucatu, Brasil, de 2002 a 2021. Observou-se que a IV acometeu mini-bovinos jovens. As manifestações clínicas pre