Can you treat for bloat as a preventive?

Southdown

Southdown

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I just lost two sheep tonight to bloat. Is it ok to treat the other sheep as a preventive even if they aren't showing signs?

I'm going to give them:
1/2 c water
1/2 c mineral oil
2 T baking soda
A dash of liquid pepto bismol

With a drench gun.

I'm in a hurry because I don't want the other to drop off.
 
norseofcourse

norseofcourse

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I don't know about pretreating, but I wanted to say I'm sorry about your sheep :( :hugs
 
Goat Whisperer

Goat Whisperer

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I am so sorry for your loss :hugs:hugs

I don't think it would hurt, but I don't own sheep :idunno

I have never had bloat but I have saved this. Maybe it will help?

From Goat-link.com

  1. Massage Rumen (Upper left side) using kneading as if kneading bread and patting firmly as you would a baby
  2. Get goat on it's feet if down and start walking it around
  3. Elevate front end of goat if laying down
  4. Massage & Pat rumen (high on left side of goat behind last rib)to help release gas ( the same method as you would use to burp a baby)- you may also have to "knead" the air pocket to get the gas moving.
  5. If the goat starts to belch up gas, then give it a tablespoon some baking soda either dry or in a small amount of water, (if you add enough water to make it like toothpaste it is easier to get most of it into the goat) about a TBSP for an adult goat or a tsp for a younger goat
  6. If the gas does NOT come up with belching while massaging the rumen and the goat has had access to lush grass pasture all of a sudden (ie: let out to pasture after a long winter with just hay), and or has froth on it's mouth - Then administer either"Bloat Release" or "Therabloat" or REGULAR PLAIN powdered "Tide laundry detergent" Not the one with bleach, not the ultra, or any of the new varieties(one tablespoon of Tide powder mixed with 60cc of water) carefully via tubing - DiGel (4-6 TBSP) DO NOT Tube with OIL! Administration of the anti foaming agent should reduce the bloat almost immediately. After the release of the gases, administer orally a probiotic to refresh rumen flora
  7. If you have a goat that has binged on grain, try giving a couple TBSPs of Milk of Magnesia. This helps stimulate the gut and lower the pH balance of the rumen be more alkaline.
    1. IF and I DO say IF.. all treatment is not working and the goat is in such distress as you feel it will die shortly and there is No time to call your vet,you will need to use atrocar to release the gas But this is a dire emergency situation ONLY (read more below:)
    2. If the bloat continues after either of these treatmentsCALL YOUR VET
I know someone who had some sheep bloat badly and they gave the tide-worked wonders!
 
n8ivetxn

n8ivetxn

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I know this is late but, to help prevent bloat, provide free choice baking soda - you can add it to the loose mineral or put it in a separate dish. It's a natural bicarbonate, good for indigestion (I use it too!) and sheep love it.

Severe cases may require more than this, but for occasional problems, this should help.
 
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