Clinical and surgical approach to umbilical disorders in calves - literature review

Abstract

Umbilical disorders, which frequently occur in calves, are among the major causes of economic losses in herds. Antibiotic therapy alone is effective for some infectious cases, but surgical intervention is often indicated. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical and surgical perspectives of the principal umbilical disorders in calves. The umbilicus may be affected by infectious or non-infectious conditions, including hernia, persistent urachus, omphalitis, urachitis, omphalophlebitis, and omphaloarteritis. Infectious varieties can culminate in sepsis and sometimes even involve other organs. Under these conditions, the chief complaint of calves tends to be apathy and visible swelling in the umbilical region. When surgery is indicated, the veterinary surgeon needs to have a thorough understanding of umbilical disorders, which coupled with careful clinical examination, will enable the formulation of an effective surgical plan. Surgical principles linked to pre-, trans-, and post-operative care must be considered, as recovery depends upon the surgery performed, pathological factors, and the patient’s individual response. Some of the most common surgeries performed include herniorrhaphy, urachus, and umbilical vein resection. Several technological resources, such as ultrasonography and laparoscopy, are new tools that can help improve the performance of these procedures.