What is bloat – basically an abnormal build up of gases in the rumen.

(Gas is produced during the normal process of digestion in the rumen and is usually lost via eructation or belching)

Causes of bloat are

1. Grain overload - resulting in excessive gas production and acidosis
2. Frothy/pasture bloat - occurs due to a stable foam developing in the rumen which blocks the release of gas.
3. Secondary free gas bloat - caused by the physical inability to burp such as an oesophageal obstruction or rumen dysfunction issue

The most common form of bloat our farmers are dealing with this winter is frothy bloat.

Frothy or pasture bloat is a common seasonal issue due to consumption of lush legume pasture species such as clover and Lucerne. Gas in the rumen is trapped in a foam which cannot be eructated, resulting in a build up and bloating. Bloat can occur as rapidly as 1 hour after being turned out onto a high risk pasture. More commonly bloat develops after 1-3 days. 

What to look for - symptoms

1. bloating of the abdomen - usually on the left side
2. pain and discomfort - bellowing, lethargy and laying down
3. breathing difficulties - mouth breathing and protrusion of the tongue 
4. rapid death  

What can be done for animals with bloat - treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of bloat and in cases of frothy bloat may include:

• anti foaming agents given orally such as vegetable/paraffin oils (200-250ml per animal) 
• removing animals from affected pasture and put onto a high fibre diet - hay or straw
• release of gas via stomach tubing for free gas bloat 

Prevention is best!

What can we do to prevent or reduce the incidence of bloat in our cattle?

• Pasture management - avoid using high risk pastures at high risk times. Fast growing clover dominant pastures should be avoided.
• Feeding hay and increasing fibre in the diet
• Introduce cattle slowly to at risk pasture and restricting grazing eg strip grazing, introducing to pasture for short periods of time 
• Anti foaming agents can be added to water sources or incorporated into feed blocks
• Careful monitoring of cattle for early symptoms

NOTE: Sustained release anti bloat capsules administered down the throat and into the rumen - currently NOT available in Australia although reports indicate this may be an option again from 2021.

If you’re concerned about bloat in your livestock please call and ask to speak with one of our experienced veterinarians for the best advice - 63618388

Compared to many other domestic animals, horses have relatively long life-spans, with many living well into their 20s and 30s. Some horses will even maintain productive careers into their 20s - but just like humans, as horses age, their needs change and extra care may be required to keep them in best health.

Teeth

Regular dental care by a qualified veterinarian is important for all horses, and even more critical for older horses. As teeth can become worn, overgrown or decayed, problems may arise resulting in mouth pain and tooth loss. This can lead to difficulties in chewing feed and an inability to adequately absorb nutrients, often resulting in a gradual loss of body condition.

Metabolic disorders

Conditions such as Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome can be more common in older horses, wreaking all sorts of havoc on your horse’s health. We are able to diagnose these conditions and they are often easily controlled with medications and/or nutritional management.

Lameness

Older horses may seem stiff and sore. Wear and tear over the years can lead to arthritis, which can affect one or many joints. There are ways to improve the comfort of horses suffering from arthritis and we can help you decide on the best options.

Prevention is better than cure! Older horses should be seen by a vet for a health and dental check every 6-12 months.

A handy business contingency planning toolkit with guidelines is now available on the National Primary Industries Animal Welfare R&D Strategy website. The purpose of the toolkit is to assist livestock businesses draft a single plan, incorporating identified risks and a hazard reduction program into their business, to manage a future on‐farm crisis situation, with the emphasis on animal welfare.

You can access the Toolkit and Guidelines here.