Acid-Base Status and Blood Gas Parameters in Cattle Presented with Frothy Bloat in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Frothy bloat in cattle results in life-threatening respiratory and circulatory compromise through diaphragmatic pressure and metabolic acidosis. This study characterised blood gas parameters and acid-base status in cattle presenting with acute frothy bloat in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Forty cattle with field-diagnosed frothy bloat and twenty non-bloated controls from adjacent herds were recruited over a six-month grazing season. Jugular blood samples collected in heparinised syringes were analysed within thirty minutes of collection using a portable blood gas analyser calibrated for bovine parameters. Bloated cattle exhibited significant metabolic acidosis with mean blood pH of 7.22 compared to 7.38 in controls, accompanied by hypercapnia, elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and reduced bicarbonate concentrations. Base excess was markedly negative in moderate and severe bloat cases. Partial pressure of oxygen was significantly reduced in recumbent animals with severe bloat, indicating respiratory compromise secondary to diaphragmatic displacement. Recovery of acid-base values followed an expected temporal pattern after bloat relief. These findings document the systemic acid-base disturbances in Nigerian cattle with frothy bloat and provide clinically actionable data for directing emergency alkalinising therapy and respiratory support in field settings. Keywords: frothy bloat, acid-base status, blood gas, cattle, Kwara State.