MIRACLE ON THE OPERATING FIELD: Surgical Resolution of Esophageal Obstruction by Guava (peyara) through Life Saving Surgery
Dr. S. Warson Monsang, Professor
August 13, 2025
In a remarkable veterinary success
story, a team of veterinary surgeons led by Dr. S. Warson Monsang (Professor
& HOD), Dr V. Lalzawmliana (Assistant Professor), Dr. Debajyoti Pal
(Assistant Professor) along with faculties of Veterinary Clinical Complex, have
successfully performed an emergency surgery called “Esophagostomy – opening of the esophagus” on
a cow that had suffered from a life-threatening case of choke caused by the
ingestion of a big whole guava. The interns and the 4th year B.V.Sc. & A.H.
students of the college played a key role while performing the procedure.
Esophageal obstruction (also referred
to as Choke) is an emergency surgical condition which is encountered particularly
among cattle in rural and semi-urban regions. Among ruminants, highest
incidence is recorded in cattle due to their indiscriminate feeding behaviour
and the anatomical structure of the oesophagus. Stray cattle and those with
unrestricted access to garbage or any agricultural waste are at increased risk
because of their habit of ingesting large vegetable matter, or foreign objects
such as plastic bags and cloth, oversized potatoes, apples, mangoes and guava,
etc.
Recently, a serious case of choke in
cattle weighing about 250 Kg was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Complex of
College of Veterinary Clinical Complex, R. K. Nagar, Tripura (W) after attempts
of treatment at failed at different sub-centres. Depending upon the critical
condition of the animal, emergency surgical intervention was planned after
proper stabilization of the animal with fluids and supportive therapy. After 2
weeks of strict post-operative care, the animal made an uneventful recovery
without any complications.
Choke entails not only a welfare
concern but also economic one as farmers are dependent upon the livestock for
their income generation in various ways. Delay in treatment may lead to serious
complications including bloat, aspiration, pneumonia, dehydration, and in
severe cases, death. Therefore, timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial
to prevent these outcomes. While conservative management may suffice in partial
obstructions, complicated cases often
necessitates surgical intervention, making it a true veterinary emergency.
This case study aims to explore the
common causes, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and surgical
management of Esophageal obstruction in cattle, with an emphasis on field-level
challenges and outcomes in stray and farm-managed bovine populations. Early
reporting and presentation of the case to proper care hospital can make a
difference in the outcome of the condition thus improving the welfare and
economic concerns of the farmers.
We are thankful to the Director, ARDD
and Principal of the College of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., R. K. Nagar,
for providing us required facilities and supporting staffs and teams for the
successful surgery.
(Tripurainfo)
more articles...