Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The diagnosis of bloat can usually be made based on the obvios distension of the left paralumbar fossa. When several animals are affected on lush pasture the cause is invariably primary bloat. If only one animal is affected, or there is doubt over the cause, the passage of a stomach tube or trocar will release large quantities of gas in the case of secondary bloat. A clinical exam will aid in finding the underlying cause of secondary bloat.  

The diagnosis of bloat can usually be made based on the obvious distension of the left paralumbar fossa. When several animals are affected on lush pasture the cause is invariably primary bloat. If only one animal is affected, or there is doubt over the cause, the passage of a stomach tube or trochar will release large quantities of gas in the case of secondary bloat. A full clinical exam should then be carried out in order to determine the underlying cause.  

    

    

===Clinical signs===

===Clinical signs===

===Pathology===

===Pathology===

In severe cases, the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] almost fills the abdomen, the diaphragm is displaced forwards, compressing the lungs. The posterior vena cava is also compressed, reducing the venous return to the heart. Respiration is impaired and animals die from hypoxia.[[Image:oesophageal bloat line.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Oesophageal "bloat line" (Courtesy of Elspeth Milne)]]

In severe cases, the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] almost fills the abdomen, the diaphragm is displaced forwards, compressing the lungs. The posterior vena cava is also compressed, reducing the venous return to the heart. Respiration is impaired and animals die from hypoxia

===Post mortem===

===Post mortem===

Post mortem change resulting in rumen distention following other causes of death can complicate the diagnosis of bloat. If the post mortem exam is carried out shortly after death then bloat will be obvious due to distension at the left paralumbar fossa. Other post mortem changes consistent with bloat are:   

Post mortem change resulting in rumen distention following other causes of death can complicate the diagnosis of bloat. If the post mortem exam is carried out shortly after death then bloat will be obvious due to distension at the left paralumbar fossa. Other post mortem changes consistent with bloat are:   

*Pale liver due to compression by the rumen

*Pale liver due to compression by the rumen

*Rupture of the diaphragm  

*Rupture of the diaphragm  

*Inguinal and ventral perineal oedema   

*Inguinal and ventral perineal oedema   

*Oesophageal "bloat line" at the thoracic inlet.

*Oesophageal "bloat line" at the thoracic inlet.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==