THE MOKE COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 45 1 



When bloating results from grazing on succulent 

 clover, alfalfa, or rape, it is usually swift in its action, 

 so much so that unless relief is prompt the animals af- 

 fected will die within a very short period. The hazard 

 is greater when the pastures are wet from dew or rain, 

 and, of course, it increases with the hungry condition of 

 the animals. An accompanying condition of sudden 

 bloating in such instances is the partial paralysis of the 

 involuntary fibers of the stomach, which, in turn, is 

 caused by the heavy mass of green food eaten more 

 quickly than the stomach can care for it. With the ar- 

 resting of the digestive processes, fermentation becomes 

 excessive. Death may result from suffocation with 

 poisoning by carbolic dioxide gas or from rupture of 

 the stomach or diaphragm. 



The indications of bloat include the following: (i) 

 The animal stands apart in a humped attitude, and the 

 breathing is labored. (2) There is extreme distention 

 of the stomach in severe cases, particularly on the left 

 side, which bulges both outward and upward. (3) In 

 such instances the animal grunts or moans and may 

 stagger and fall and die in convulsions. The minor in- 

 dications sometimes include a dripping of saliva from 

 the mouth, protruding of the rectum, and stepping about 

 as when colic is present. 



The injury from bloat results, first, from loss when 

 the animal dies, and, second, from the check given to 

 increase when it recovers in severe cases, and, until it is 

 removed, in cases that are chronic so to speak. So great 

 is the hazard from bloat that there should be much 

 hesitancy about grazing high-priced animals upon the 

 pastures that are most liable to produce it. Even when 

 the animals have become accustomed to the grazing, 

 there may be occasional losses, and when these are not 

 looked for. The carcasses of animals that die from 

 bloat, if bled within a short time, are good for food. 



