Rumenotomy for Frothy Bloat

Holstein cow with acute frothy ruminal bloat ("apple-pear" profile): attempts to expel excess gas using an esophageal tube and transcutaneous puncture have failed. Generally, the massive intra-abdominal pressure on the diaphragm creates severe circulatory and respiratory problems for the animal, which risks dying within a short time. In these cases, a rumenotomy is necessary to save the animal.
In cases with less severe symptoms, conservative therapy can be attempted, reserving rumenotomy for cases that do not resolve.