Partial Mechanical Ileus Due to Compression

A Holstein heifer calf approximately 75 days old has been presenting intermittent colic pain for several days, along with poor feed intake and reduced defecation of solid feces mixed with mucus. The presence of a moderate umbilical hernia suggests the possibility of loops of small intestine or a portion of the abomasum intermittently becoming trapped in the hernial sac, causing arrest of intestinal transit and colic symptoms.
Ultrasound examination of the umbilical region and abdominal cavity reveals a large encapsulated intra-abdominal abscess, most likely originating from an umbilical infection in the first days of life. Surgical treatment is considered essential to remove the abscess and repair the umbilical hernia.