Which treatment option explicitly relieves distension in vagal indigestion type 1?

• A. Rumen fistula
• B. Remove foreign body
• C. Aggressive IV fluid therapy
• D. Prokinetics

Answer: (A)

Vagal indigestion type I causes gas to accumulate in the rumen because ruminal motility or eructation is impaired, so the animal becomes distended without an obstructive lesion. The most direct way to relieve that distension is to give the gas an outlet. A rumen fistula provides a permanent, external vent from the rumen, allowing continuous release of gas and ruminal contents. This decompresses the rumen quickly and substantially reduces the distension and the associated discomfort.

Other options don’t address the immediate gas pressure. Removing a foreign body would help only if a blockage were present, which isn’t the typical issue in this form of vagal indigestion. Aggressive IV fluids aid hydration and circulation but don’t relieve ruminal gas pressure. Prokinetics can improve motility and may help eructation over time, but they don’t guarantee the rapid relief of distension that a vent provides.