Surgical management of choke due to trichobezoars in a cow: A case report

Abstract

Choke or esophageal foreign body obstruction is common condition in cow due to indiscriminate feeding habits. The most common site of obstruction is caudal cervical esophagus. A 7 year old, crossbred cow was presented with a history of sudden onset of ptyalism, bloated abdomen, respiratory distress, restlessness and swollen caudo-ventral cervical part. Physical examination of cervical region revealed partially movable, two round hard masses. Survey radiography showed two spherical (ball) like structures (6.83⁎6.11cm) at the level of C3-C4 and C5-C6 verterbral junction with an outer radiopaque wall and inner radiolucent part. The manual method of pushing foreign body into abdomen using probang and removal through oral cavity was failed due to complete intraluminal obstruction. Left cervical esophagotomy was performed and two trichobezoars (balls) were retrieved. This surgery proved excellent resolution of clinical signs.