Bloat in Ruminants: Recognize Early, Act Quickly to Save Life

Dr. Vishal B. Awate¹*, Dr. Naina Singh², Dr. Pratik Kokate³
¹ M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Medicine), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India ² M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Pathology), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India ³ M.V.Sc. (Veterinary Parasitology), Veterinary Officer (Gr–A), Buldhana, Maharashtra, India Corresponding Author: Dr. Vishal B. Awate Email: awatev469@gmail.comdoi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23356233

Bloat, also called ruminal tympany, is a potentially life-threatening condition of cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. During normal ruminal fermentation, gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are produced and removed mainly through eructation (belching). When gas cannot be expelled normally, it accumulates in the rumen and causes progressive abdominal distension. Mild cases may be managed successfully when recognized early, whereas severe cases can rapidly lead to respiratory distress, circulatory failure and death.