Which clinical sign is associated with frothy bloat?

• A. Abdominal distension on the left side
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Hair loss around the tail head
• D. Diarrhea

Answer: (A)

Frothy bloat occurs when foam traps gas in the rumen, preventing eructation and causing the rumen to swell. The rumen sits on the left side of the cow, so the most noticeable and typical sign is distension of the left abdomen, especially the left paralumbar fossa. This left-sided swelling reflects the enlarged rumen backing up gas. The other options don’t fit: increased appetite isn’t a hallmark of bloat, hair loss around the tail head isn’t related to rumen gas buildup, and diarrhea points to intestinal issues rather than ruminal gas entrapment.