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Bloat: trocar placement

ISSN 2398-2993


Synonym(s): trochar, trocharisation

Introduction

  • Trocarization is a procedure whereby a trocar and cannula are inserted through the abdominal wall and into the rumen.

Uses

  • Trocarization may be indicated in the following situation:
    • Emergency treatment of ruminal tympany (gaseous or froth distension) Ruminal bloat.
    • Treatment of chronic ruminal tympany (gaseous distension) Ruminal bloat.

Advantages

  • Straight-forward technique to carry out.
  • Rapid procedure that may save the animal’s life in emergency situations.
  • Successful surgery results in the animal remaining in the herd.

Disadvantages

  • Severe ruminal distension may result in inappropriate placement of the trocar and therefore cannula.
    • Inappropriate placement can result in ingesta contaminating the abdomen and subsequent development of peritonitis.

Technical problems

  • Poor technique may result in severe gross contamination of the abdomen with ruminal content that would result in peritonitis.
  • The cannula may become obstructed with ingesta.

Alternative techniques

  • In an emergency situation, without a trocar/cannula then a surgical incision may be made using a scalpel blade or a guarded knife. However, in a true emergency then any knife will do!

Time required

Preparation

  • Minimal in emergency situations.
  • Moderate to severe cases of ruminal tympany- 2 to 5 minutes (trocar placement site preparation).

Procedure

  • Emergency situation- seconds.
  • Moderate to severe cases of ruminal tympany- several minutes.

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

Other sources of information

  • Anderson D E & Rings M (2008) Current Veterinary Therapy: Food Animal Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • Divers T  J & Peek S (2007) Rebhun's Diseases of Dairy Cattle. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • Fubini S L & Ducharme N (2004) Farm Animal Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • McAllister T A, McCartney D, Stanford K & Cheng K J (2003) Bloat in Cattle. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Information Packaging Centre.