What is the prognosis for suspected vagal indigestion after initial supportive therapy?

• A. Excellent
• B. Guarded
• C. Good
• D. Poor

Answer: (B)

Vagal indigestion is a functional foregut disorder driven by impaired rumen motility from vagus nerve issues. After initial supportive care—fluids and electrolytes to correct dehydration and acid-base/electrolyte disturbances, along with analgesia, antiemetics, and dietary adjustments—the outlook remains uncertain because the underlying motility problem is often chronic and prone to relapse. Some animals may improve or stabilize, and a subset might respond to more invasive management, but long-term resolution is not reliable. That variability and the potential for ongoing issues make the prognosis guarded: not confidently excellent or poor, but with meaningful uncertainty and risk of relapse or progression.