Pathogen-induced necrosis programs in cells with immunological barriers (intestinal mucosa) may alleviate invasion of pathogens through surfaces affected by inflammation.
Swallowing difficulties (secondary achalasia) may be the first symptom of digestive disturbances and may lead to malnutrition. 20% to 50% of individuals with intestinal involvement also exhibit cardiac involvement.
The causative agents include bezoars, foreign bodies, trauma, intestinal worms, lymphadenitis, and, most commonly, calcified fecal deposits known as appendicoliths or fecaliths.
Post mortem, beetles were found in large numbers in the rumen, associated with symptoms of dramatic congestion and irritation of the abomasum and haemorrhagic pseudomembranous intestinal enteritis.
The most common presenting symptom is painless rectal bleeding such as melaena-like black offensive stools, followed by intestinal obstruction, volvulus and intussusception.
