Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Free gas bloat

The disease in brief

It is the blockage of the eructation in its path towards the outside which causes this bloating, by an obstruction of the esophagus, at the level of the cardia or more cranially due to a hypertrophy of the thymus (example of thymoma in sporadic leukosis); it can also be linked to an impossible rise, with an animal which then adopts a bad position, or linked to tetanus; in fattening workshops, certain cases occur in relation to rumenitis or esophagitis. Certain calves, which were ruminal drinkers, continue to present bloating.

Clinic & diagnosis

The left flank swells in a few hours, moderately (first at the top, at the level of the hollow of the flank), then enormously to the point that the 2 flanks are deformed (apple/apple); percussion of the top of the left flank gives a sound of gas under tension. The bovine does not drool, does not make any effort to regurgitate. Acute gaseous bloating can then be suspected.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-DG22 foamy meteorization

-Acute gaseous meteorism due to esophageal obstruction DG24.1

-Tetanus NV19

-Chronic reticulorumen indigestion (Hoflund syndrome) DG25

-Acute VX40 ruminal milk drinker

Confirm a suspicion?

An esophageal tube can release the gas under tension in the rumen and relieve the patient; similarly, the placement of a trocar in the hollow of the left flank can allow the flank to be completely deflated and relieve the animal.

Prognosis and treatment

An esophageal tube will release the gas under tension in the rumen and relieve the patient. If urgent, place a ruminal trocar.

Prevention

This is a manifestation of the various diseases mentioned above; prevention is that of these various diseases, and includes in particular a well-managed diet at the various breeding phases:

-During the nursing phase, calves that suckle with their heads up are less likely to drink rumen water than those fed from a bucket.

-For ruminants, a sufficient level of long fibers in the ration will promote rumen health, by avoiding chronic acidosis, which itself promotes rumenitis.

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 99