Author Topic: bloat... or just indigestion? (Read 1412 times)

SallyN · « **on:** April 29, 2016, 08:51:54 pm »

Hello, I've got a ewe with a lamb at foot who has the classic signs of a distended abdomen - sticking out at the left-hand side, looks pregnant, etc etc.

She's actually pretty much fine in herself, behaving normally, even running around when I turn up in the hope of some sheep nuts

The spring grass has come through so I'm thinking she has just overdone it a bit.

Today though she was showing some signs of discomfort for the first time - trying to kick that side of her stomach (or at least that's what it looked like).

Now I'm worried she may be building a case of bloat and I really don't want to turn up at the field to find her sparko. I was wondering if there was a treatment I could make up which might alleviate her symptoms a bit?

She's been on richer grass before and survived... and this is pasture they've been on before (and at this time of year, too).

Any advice gratefully received...

TheSmilingSheep · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2016, 11:06:54 am »

Hello there, I'm afraid I've no experience (yet?!) of bloat, but I'd noticed no-one's replied yet, which can leave one feeling a bit low, especially if you're worried about your precious woolly animal....
At the top of this forum, however, there's a really good piece about bloat, and fsnutter has explained it and offered some treatment advice including bicarbonate of soda.... it's a good read and may help you get started with some ideas.... good luck

Hevxxx99 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2016, 10:27:39 pm »

I'm not much help either I'm afraid. I've not had a bad case of bloat (yet) and am certainly no expert, but if I feel twitchy about the possibility, I add Bicarb to the feed, take out any grain that I can and make sure they have plenty of hay. Making them eat it is another matter though!

I am feeding sugarbeet with their ration at the moment, which I'm lead to believe helps with the long fibre content in the rumen.

m3joeEm · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2016, 06:57:28 pm »

Hi, I usually treat with doses of liquid paraffin a few times a day, If that doesn't work then I try a rumen stimulating powder, both as per vets advice. A great piece of advice from my vet to relieve some discomfort immediately/in an emergency is to puncture the rumen with a needle to let some air out, only a temporary relief but can buy some valuable time.