Clinical management and surgical repair of atresia coli in calves: 66 cases (1977-1988).

The medical records of 66 calves with atresia coli were reviewed; 64 calves were examined at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, and 2 calves were examined at the New Bolton Center. In each case, the site of the atresia was within the spiral loop of the ascending colon. In 1 of these calves, a segment of jejunum was also atretic. Absence of feces, progressive weakness, and abdominal distension were the most common clinical signs observed. Other congenital abnormalities were detected in 12 (18%) of 66 calves. Of the 66 calves examined, 5 were euthanatized or died on admission, and 61 had an exploratory celiotomy performed. Eight calves were euthanatized or died during the surgery. In the remaining 53 calves, surgical treatment consisted of enterotomy followed by meconium evacuation, resection of the proximal blind end (in 30 calves), and restoration of intestinal continuity. Restoration of intestinal continuity was done either by side-to-side anastomosis of the proximal to distal blind ends (5 calves), or by side-to-side or end-to-side anastomosis of the proximal blind end to the descending colon (48 calves). Of the 66 calves seen, 27 (41%) were discharged from the hospital, and 11 of these reached reproductive age (11 calves were lost to follow-up before they were 2 years old). From the 11 calves reaching reproductive age, 33 calves were born, one of which may have had atresia coli. The owners should anticipate that long-term survivors likely will have loose feces and normal offspring, but may not grow as well as otherwise expected.