[A balloon probe for the treatment of recurrent bloat in calves and young cattle].

For the treatment of recurrent bloat a soft-rubber balloon tube which is inserted through the nose into the rumen and can stay there for several days was developed. The inflated balloon ensures a floating of the tip of the tube in the dorsal gas cap above the rumen contents. The tube can also be used as a prophylactic measure to avoid excessive ruminal gas accumulation in recumbent patients during surgery. This report describes the experiences with this balloon tube gathered in 23 clinical patients.