# Long-Term Survival in 241 Cases of Intussusception in Cattle and Factors Associated with Mortality

## TL;DR

This study examines long-term survival rates in cattle with intussusception and identifies factors that increase mortality risk.

## Contribution

The study provides the first documentation of long-term survival rates and identifies risk factors for mortality in cattle with intussusception.

## Key findings

- Overall survival until discharge was 44.8%, with 39.0% of cattle completing their life cycle.
- Male sex and age under 226 days were significant risk factors for mortality.
- A predictive model using sex and time to referral showed high specificity in predicting mortality.

## Abstract

Intussusception is a frequent cause of mechanical ileus in cattle. However, the prognosis of intussusception is poorly documented and long-term survival, meaning until slaughter or natural death, has never been described. This study aimed to determine survival of cattle surgically treated for intussusception and to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Overall survival was 44.8% until discharge and 39.0% of all animals could complete their life cycle and were eligible for slaughter. Risk factors for mortality were male sex, age < 226 days, heart rate > 95 beats per minute, packed cell volume < 36.5% and time to referral > 4.5 days. The information of the present study can support the decision-making process of farmers and veterinarians to perform surgery or opt for humane euthanasia to the benefit of economics and animal welfare.

Intussusception is a frequent cause of mechanical ileus in cattle. Long-term survival has never been described and risk factors for mortality are scarcely documented. A retrospective cohort study on 241 cattle was conducted to determine survival of intussusception and identify risk factors for mortality. Clinical records were matched with the national cattle identification database. Information on possible predictors including clinical examination, ultrasonography, blood-gas analysis and surgery were collected. Survival analysis and decision tree analysis were used. Overall survival was 44.8% until discharge. Of all animals, 39.0% could complete their life cycle and were eligible for slaughter. Male animals and cattle < 226 days old experienced a significantly higher mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–3.0 and HR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.7–3.4, respectively). The final model consisted of heart rate (>95 beats per minute) and packed cell volume (<36.5%) with sensitivity and specificity of 60.4% and 49.4%, respectively. A second model consisted of sex (male) and time to referral (>4.5 days) with sensitivity and specificity of 88.0% and 65.6%, respectively. The long-term prognosis for intussusception in cattle appears to be fair. Factors identified in this study may aid in the decision-making process in cases with presumed intussusception to perform the surgery or opt for euthanasia.