Ruminal Acidosis in Small Ruminants and its Therapeutic management Choudhary Sunita, Muralidhara A., Ravindranath B.M. Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Service Complex, Veterinary College, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Yelahanka, Bengaluru-560063 (Karnataka) Online published on 24 January, 2012. Abstract Ruminal lactic acidosis often referred to as grain overload, develops as a result of animals consuming large quantities of carbohydrates resulting in large economic losses and mortality. A total of 10 sheep and 5 goats aged from 3 month to 5 year were presented with history of accidental ingestion of rice and acute bloat. Animal presented were recumbent, anorectic, not ruminating, depressed with severe diarrhoea and distension of abdomen. All animals were having respiratory distress due to acute bloat hence gas was relieved by inserting 16 gauze needle in left paralumbar region. The pH of ruminal fluid ranged from 3–5 which indicated ruminal acidosis in all the animals. Rumen fluid colour was milky grey, consistency was watery with foul odour. On microscopic examination number of protozoa was nil. After relieving gas, simethicone was given intrarumen along with intravenous administration of ringers lactate. Sodium bicarbonate was given intraruminal and other supportives was recommended. The animals recovered uneventfully. Top Keywords Bloat, lactic acidosis, respiratory distress, sodium bicarbonate. Top |