ABSTRACT
The behaviour of fluid and gas, together with the anatomical location of various structures of the gastrointestinal tract, allows narrowing down of the likely problem when observing the abdominal contour. Chronic bloat is often a sign of disturbed rumen flora and digestive function, for example in poorly weaned animals or with rumen alkalosis. Replication occurs in the mucous membranes of both the respiratory and digestive systems, the latter leading to widespread erosions causing stomatitis and a severe watery diarrhoea. The liver lies encased in the ribcage in the cranial abdomen alongside the diaphragm, extending along the right-hand side. Neck palpation, ultrasonography, endoscopy, thoracic radiography, rumenocentesis and other aids may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. Ultrasonography or exploratory laparotomy are useful to confirm the diagnosis. Congenital malformations or birth trauma may lead to an uroperitoneum, detectable by ultrasonography, biochemistry and abdominocentesis.
