Ultrasonographic findings in a cow with abomasal lymphosarcoma: Case report

The main clinical findings were vomiting in response to eating and melena. The results of serum biochemistry and rumen fluid analysis were indicative of abomasal reflux syndrome. The main ultrasonographic findings were two enlarged lymph nodes caudal to the reticulum and a severely enlarged abomasum with thickening of the abomasal wall and folds. Based on all the findings, pyloric stenosis caused by lymphosarcoma was tentatively diagnosed and later confirmed at postmortem examination.This is an interesting case, which broadens the spectrum of abomasal reflux syndrome.Diseases affecting the abomasum in cattle include left and right abomasal displacement, volvulus, ulcers and parasite infestation [1]. Neoplasia of the abomasum is rare in cattle. The adult or enzootic form of lymphosarcoma, which may be spontaneous or associated with enzootic bovine leukosis, is the most common tumour affecting this organ [1]. Less common tumours include carcinoma, sarcoma and adenoma [1]. Lymphosarcoma causes thickening of the abomasal wall, which leads to progressive impairment of passage of ingesta, ulcers, haemorrhage, melena, anaemia and occasionally abomasal reflux and hypochloraemic alkalosis [2]. Diagnosis of abomasal lymphosarcoma may be difficult when peripheral lymphadenopathy is absent; this occurred in 46% of 112 cases described [3]. Clinical signs such as anorexia, weight loss and melena are suggestive of an abomasal ulcer but cannot be used to determine the cause. Lymphoblasts in a peripheral blood smear are indicative of lymphosarcoma but are seen in only approximately 10% of cases [3]. Thus, there is clearly a need for a more efficient method of diagnosis. In a recent case presented to our hospital because of melena, round to oval structures were seen via ultrasonography caudal to but not in direct contact with the reticulum. The lesions could not be interpreted and the cow was euthanased because of lack of response to treatment for possible bleeding abomasal ulcer. Po