Sudden accumulation of gas in the ruminal sac, with abnormal distension of the rumen and the left paralumbar fossa. Unlike gaseous ruminal bloat, where fermentation gas forms a dorsal gas bubble that can be removed via esophageal tubing, in frothy bloat, the gas mixes with the feed in small bubbles. The onset of this pathology, which follows an acute and severe course, is caused by the ingestion of tender, easily fermentable plants such as alfalfa and clover.
If immediate action is not taken, the animal can die within 2-3 hours from compression asphyxia.
