Cause
a Interaction of several factors in rumen:
  - reduction of gas elimination
  - increased gas production from fermentation
b. Associated with:
  - lush, rapidly growing legumes
  - changes in diet composition
c. May follow oral antibacterial treatment. Impaired gas elimination from solid objects lodged in esophagus or esophageal groove.

Signs
a. Distention of rumen (LEFT side of animal)
b. Often is moderate, with no great consequences.
c If progressive:
  - respiratory distress
  - profuse salivation
  - bluish mucous membranes
  - prostration ... death from asphyxiation

Treatment
a. Remove offending cause; usually feed
b. Relieve ruminal pressure:
  - stomach tube
  - trocharization of LEFT paralumbar fossa (a "last" resort)
  - Defoaming agents: vegetable oils are usually as effective as more expensive commercial preparation
  - May use surfactants (e.g.: Poloxalene, Therabloat, etc.)

Prevention
a. Knowledge of circumstances leading to bloat and avoidance of source.
b. Pasture management, especially legume pastures.
c. Poloxalene blocks: relative value, although quite useful when flocks are first turned into pasture.
d. Bovatec (lasolacid) in concentrate, at recommended level, is useful.
e. Increase salt intake to increase water consumption.

This article is used by permission and is part of:
Nutritional Effects on Goat Health
by Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension