Surgical fistula as an aid in the treatment of chronic bloat in cattle

Abstract

Medical treatment of chronic bloat in cattle often fails, resulting in acute death, no weight gain, or poor weight gain.

Several devices have been developed to facilitate the treatment of chronic bloat. These consist of self-retaining trocars, plastic or metal fistulas, and pop-off valves. Usually these devices become plugged postoperatively, either by local infection of the rumen or by ingesta.

If an animal has been treated medically for bloat on three occasions within a short period of time, the case may be classified as chronic. Surgical intervention is then recommended. Young beef animals that develop chronic bloat soon after they are started on high-concentrate feed are the usual candidates for this procedure.