First report of a perforated abomasal ulcer in a beef heifer calf in Argentina

Abomasal ulcers are local processes of mucosal autodigestion caused by the disturbance of the balance between protective and aggressive mechanisms in the abomasal mucosa. In order to clarify the etiology, several causes have been discussed and one with a multifactorial origin has been proposed. Signs are mostly non-specific and vary according to different ulcer types. This report describes for the first time in Argentina the clinical case of a perforated abomasal ulcer that induced sudden death in a heifer calf at foot dairy. Necropsy revealed, digestive content in the abdominal cavity and two ulcers in the abomasal mucosa. One ulcer had caused a well-defined 3 cm diameter perforation, which it leading cause has not been determined. Apart from other well known precautions, to minimize the risk of induce perforated abomasal ulcers, stressful management practices should be avoided.