Alterations of pancreatic functions and lipid profiles in dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum

The objectives of this study were to determine the serum activities of the pancreatic enzymes amylase, lipase, trypsinogen 1 and trypsinogen 2, serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides and serum inflammatory indicators, namely C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). A total of 60 cows (30 LDA-affected and 30 healthy) were included in the study. Laboratory analyses were performed using commercially available ELISA kits and chemical reagents according to the manufacturers' recommendations. There was a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the activities of lipase, trypsinogen 1 and trypsinogen 2 in LDA-affected cows compared to healthy cows. Amylase concentrations, however, remained unchanged. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in LDA-affected cows while the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased compared to healthy cows. Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein concentrations were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in LDA-affected cows compared to healthy cows. This study indicates that displacement of the abomasum may be associated with significant pathological effects in the pancreas that may affect cows in the post-operative period.