{"id":7314,"date":"2023-01-31T12:11:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T12:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=7314"},"modified":"2023-02-04T15:55:35","modified_gmt":"2023-02-04T15:55:35","slug":"treating-bloat-in-cattle-with-baking-soda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/treating-bloat-in-cattle-with-baking-soda\/","title":{"rendered":"Treating Bloat In Cattle With Baking Soda & Other Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The rumen is the part of a cow\u2019s digestive system where food is stored to be brought back up and chewed (ruminated) later. Sometimes, gas can become trapped in this part of the bovine digestive system. When this happens, the rumen become swollen because of the gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be an extremely dramatic occurrence, in fact, you can actually see the rumen swelling as the amount of gas rapidly increases. When this happens, the swollen rumen presses against the cow\u2019s lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, you can help your cow<\/a> or bull in the early stages of bloat. There are several ways to relieve bovine bloat. It’s important that you understand the symptoms so that you can recognize them early on, gather your supplies be ready to assist your bovine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more on treating bloat in cattle with baking soda<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are The Symptoms Of Bovine Bloat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"symptoms<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your cow or bull’s belly will swell up tremendously, especially on the left-hand side, which is where the rumen is located. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also begin to see labored breathing and other signs of distress including outstretched back legs, sweating and drooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs and symptoms are isolated to the front half of the cow. Scours (diarrhea) is not a sign of bovine bloat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of oxygen causes the cow to fall over where she will lie on her side with stiff, straight legs. Without assistance, she will suffocate. In extreme cases, the distended rumen may also press on the cow\u2019s heart causing death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another complication which may arise is called “twisted abomasum”<\/em>. When this happens, the cow\u2019s true stomach (last chamber in the stomach) rotates or twists. This blocks all digestion, and usually results in death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For simple gas bloat, which is also known as feedlot bloat or dry bloat, you can try using bicarbonate of soda (a.k.a. baking soda.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what you’ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n