|
BLOAT
When excessive amounts
of gas collect in the rumen as a result of overeating new grass or
pasture that is wet, bloating may occur. It is visible as a swelling
on the left side back by the hip bone at the end of the rib cage. A
goat with bloat will show signs of severe distress, grunting,
slobbering, much restless activity, and labored breathing.
Bloat can be prevented by feeding high quality hay prior to allowing
them out to eat new, green moist grass. Check the eating area for
poisonous vegetation and increasing the pasturing time gradually.
Prevention comes in the form of careful supervision of the amount
and type of green vegetation eaten.
Treatment must be immediate. A veterinarian will be able to take the
necessary measures to alleviate the problem. The usual procedure is
to pass a catheter tube (Save-A-Kid Syringe) down the throat into
the rumen. This will bring immediate relief if the problem is just
gas. If the problem is frothy bloat it will be necessary to
introduce one to one-and-a-half cups of mineral or vegetable oil
into the stomach through the tube.
This is a serious health
risk and death can occur quickly so don't wait to call for help.
Supplies for treatment:
Save-A-Kid Syringe, Boat Pack or mineral/vegetable oil.
MAILING ADDRESS:
HOEGGER SUPPLY COMPANY
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214
PHONE:
770-461-6926 FAX: 770-461-7334
ONLINE: TheGoatStore.com
© 2001-2006, Hoegger
Supply Company. All rights reserved.
Designed and Maintained by WebNanny
Designs.
Hosted by Khimaira
Webhosting Solutions
Last modified: March 04, 2006
(Return to top)
|
