Which sign indicates pain in free gas bloat?

• A. Grunting and kicking
• B. Lethargy with bright mucous membranes
• C. No signs of distress
• D. Hypersalivation without discomfort

Answer: (A)

Pain from ruminal distension in free gas bloat often shows up as audible distress and active attempts to relieve the pressure. Grunting together with kicking at the abdomen reflects both vocalization of pain and a reflexive effort to escape the uncomfortable rumen distension, making this combination the clearest sign of discomfort in this condition.

Other patterns don’t align with pain in this scenario. Lethargy with bright mucous membranes can indicate good perfusion despite illness, not necessarily pain. Absence of distress implies no pain, and hypersalivation without discomfort is more consistent with other issues like choking or oral problems rather than the visceral pain of free gas bloat.