Incidence of Rumenotomy in Cattle Presenting with Frothy Bloat at Maiduguri Veterinary Clinic, Borno State

Frothy bloat is an acute life-threatening condition in ruminants resulting from the entrapment of gas within a stable foam layer in the rumen, and it frequently requires emergency surgical intervention when medical management fails. This study investigates the incidence of rumenotomy performed in cattle presenting with frothy bloat at the Maiduguri Government Veterinary Clinic, Borno State, over a three-year period from January 2021 to December 2023. Retrospective case records were reviewed, and prospective cases were enrolled from July 2022 onward. A total of 62 rumenotomy procedures were documented. Cases were classified by dietary history, severity score at presentation, and time elapsed from onset to veterinary care. Leguminous pasture ingestion was the most commonly implicated dietary factor in 61% of cases. Animals presenting within three hours of bloat onset had significantly higher survival rates than those with delayed presentations beyond six hours. Rumenotomy was associated with complete resolution in 81% of cases when combined with appropriate postoperative rumen microbial reseeding. Complications including wound infection and rumen fistula formation occurred in 14% of operated cattle. The study concludes that early dietary intervention and farmer awareness of legume-associated bloat risks are critical preventive measures. Strengthening the capacity of veterinary clinics in the North East zone to perform emergency ruminant surgery will reduce cattle mortality from this preventable condition. Keywords: frothy bloat, rumenotomy, bovine surgery, Maiduguri, rumen dysfunction.