What are common clinical signs of vagal indigestion in cattle?

• A. Progressive abdominal distension, reduced or absent eructation, intermittent appetite changes, poor rumination, pear-shaped abdomen
• B. Sudden weight gain and hypermotility
• C. Normal appetite with acute pain
• D. No abdominal distension

Answer: (A)

Vagal indigestion stems from impaired motility of the forestomachs due to vagal nerve dysfunction, which causes gas and ingesta to build up and the stomach chambers to dilate. The hallmark signs reflect this chronic, progressive problem.

Progressive abdominal distension occurs as the rumen and related chambers enlarge from retained gas and ingesta. Reduced or absent eructation is typical because the normal gas‑venting reflex is disrupted. Appetite can fluctuate, with intermittent changes as the animal experiences discomfort. Rumination becomes poor because the usual regurgitation and processing of cud are hindered by slowed or irregular motility. The abdomen often takes on a pear-shaped contour, reflecting the distended rumen pushing against the abdominal walls while the rest of the abdomen remains less distended.

Other options don’t fit because they describe either abrupt, high motility or normal appetite with acute pain, which are not characteristic of this chronic, motility‑related condition, or they suggest no abdominal distension, which contradicts the typical distension seen with vagal indigestion.