The Menace of Non Penetrating Foreign Bodies in Small Ruminants, India

Incidence of non penetrating foreign bodies in small ruminants (Goats & Sheep) was based on survey of slaughter houses at Bidar,Gulbarga & Hyderabad. Clinical, haematological, biochemical & rumen liquor parameters of healthy animals (control group) & affected animals (clinical group) were studied & compared. The affected animals of the clinical group were subjected to rumenotomy & observed for recovery. The incidence of non penetrating foreign body syndrome was 12.21% in goats & 5.03% in sheep. The clinical parameters like respiratory rate & heart rate were elevated in affected goats and sheep. Haematological study revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Biochemical estimation showed hypocalcaemia, hypophosphatemia & hypoproteinemia. Rumen liquor studies revealed ruminal alkalosis, reduced SAT, increased MBRT, decrease in TVFA concentration & decreased protozoal density. Rumenotomy was performed and all the foreign bodies present in rumen & reticulum were removed. All animals showed uneventful recovery. There was considerable gain in weight of animals one month after surgery. Plastics were predominant foreign bodies recovered which weighed between 0.8kg to 3.2kg.