Which radiographic sign supports a diagnosis of chronic vagal indigestion?

• A. No visible abdomen
• B. Distended intestines only
• C. A distended rumen and reticulum with altered gas flow; sometimes papple abdomen shape
• D. Normal gas flow in rumen

Answer: (C)

Chronic vagal indigestion causes a failure of normal fore-stomach motility, so gas and ingesta accumulate in the rumen and reticulum. On radiographs, you’ll see a markedly distended rumen and reticulum with abnormal or slowed gas flow, reflecting the impaired propulsion of contents. Sometimes this distension together with secondary enlargement of the abomasum produces a pear-shaped silhouette known as a papple abdomen. This combination—distended rumen and reticulum with altered gas flow, and optionally the papple shape—supports the diagnosis.

If the abdomen isn’t well visualized, that’s not a specific sign of vagal indigestion. Distension confined to the intestines would point to an intestinal issue rather than fore-stomach dysfunction. Normal gas flow in the rumen would argue against vagal indigestion.