Acute Ruminal Drinking in a 2-week old Male Friesian Crossbred Calf

Post-mortem examination was carried out on a 2-week old male Friesian crossbred calf to determine the cause of death. The body condition of the calf was fair with pale mucous membranes. There was petechial to ecchymotic epicardial haemorrhages with mild hydroperitoneum and hepatomegaly. The enlarged rumen contained a large amount of white offensive rancid-smelling curdled milk mixed with watery content while the abomasum contained some sand sediment. A diagnosis of acute ruminal drinking was made based on the calf's age, reportedly feeding entirely on milk ration, and the presence of a large amount of curdled milk in the rumen. Early diagnosis and the treatment of underlying pathological conditions, correction of predisposing management practices, and rumenostomy are some of the ante-mortem ways to combat and improve the prognosis of the condition in affected calves.