What statement most accurately describes the prognosis for chronic vagal indigestion?

• A. Excellent prognosis with early intervention and dietary management.
• B. Generally guarded to poor; many cases are euthanized or culled due to persistent distension and poor production.
• C. Prognosis varies; most cases recover fully with conservative therapy.
• D. There is no impact on long-term productivity; production remains normal.

Answer: (B)

Chronic vagal indigestion represents a persistent disturbance of rumen motility due to vagus nerve dysfunction, so the underlying problem is not easily reversed. Because the motility issue tends to be long-lasting and progressive, the long-term outlook is guarded to poor. Animals often show ongoing abdominal distension, poor feed efficiency, and reduced production, and even with dietary changes or medical management, complete reversal is uncommon. As a result, euthanasia or culling becomes a common outcome when production goals and welfare can no longer be met. This is why the prognosis is described as generally guarded to poor. The other statements imply either easy recovery or no impact on productivity, which does not align with the chronic and production-limiting nature of the condition.