Bloat

Bloat occurs when too much gas is produced in the rumen. The left flank becomes distended and breathing becomes difficult. This may happen suddenly, especially when the animal is grazing on wet pasture in the morning. It may cause sudden death.

Symptoms and Causes Control and Treatment Measures References and Further Reading

Bloat arises when the gases produced by digestion in the rumen are unable to escape. Two types of bloat are recognized:

• Gassy bloat
  
• Frothy bloat.

Gassy bloat is caused by a blockage of the oesophagus. In cases of frothy bloat gases are trapped by a foaming in the rumen. Frothy bloat is associated with certain types of green food.

As the gas builds up the left flank balloons out. The pain from this causes the animal to try to kick its belly or it stands with its back legs wide apart. It has difficulty in breathing. The animal may be in distress for several hours but in bad cases of bloat the animal will be found lying on its side and death can occur in a few hours.

 

Bloat can be serious if not treated. Frothy bloat can be treated by the infusion of vegetable oils or commercial bloat remedies into the rumen via a stomach tube. Emergency cases may require puncturing the rumen using a device known as a trocar and cannula in order to allow the gas to escape. Frothy bloat can be prevented by avoiding sudden changes of diet to green vegetation.

Preventing bloat

• Avoid moving animals to wet pasture, especially first thing in the morning.
  
• Do not allow very hungry animals to graze a pasture. Offer dry, cut grass first before turning out to graze.
  
• Keep a watch on animals at pasture.