346 JouRNAi, OF THE Dkpartmext OF Ageiculture. — OcT.. 1922. 



ACUTE TYMPANITES OR HOVEN IN CATTLE. 



By P. l{. Vir.joiN. Ur. Med. Yet. (Berne). Division at A'eterinary 

 Echication and Reseaicli. 



This condition may be defined as an abnormal acciiiuulat ion of gases 

 in the large stomach, prodncing great distension of this organ with 

 subsequent paralysis of its walls. 



Cafsks. 



These may be due (J) to accumulation of gases naturally formed 

 as the result of obstruction in the gullet which is their normal exit : 

 and (2) to excessive formation and accumulation of gases in the 

 stomach owing to causes originating in the stomach itself. 



(1) Obstruction in the gullet is of common occurrence in coun- 

 tries where cattle are fed largely on roots (mangels, turnips, potatoes, 

 etc.). Owing to abnormal shape or size a piece of food may get stuck 

 in any part of the gullet, and when it cannot be moved on by the 

 muscular contractions of this organ, obstruction in the lumen of the 

 gullet becomes so complete that not even gases are allowed to escape. 

 In the normal animal eructation of the gases formed in the stomach 

 occurs at frequent intervals, but when owing to obstruction in the' 

 gullet this function does not take place, accumulation of gases occurs 

 in the stomach. 



(2) By far the commonest cause of hoven is an excessive produc- 

 tion of gases in the stomach or an abnornuxl accumulation due to the 

 absence of active movement of the walls of this organ. 



Among the causes of excessive production of gas may be men- 

 tioned foodstuffs easily fermented, too rapid and too large consumjj- 

 tion of green foods, etc. Farmers know the danger of suddenly 

 turning animals into a field of lucerne, kafhr corn, etc., the risk of 

 hoven ensuing being especially great when the lucerne or other green 

 food is wet with dew or rain or is wilted. Perfectly sound food may 

 be productive of tympanites -wlien hungry animals devour large 

 quantities. 



Among other causes may be mentioned vegetable })oisons, such 

 as tulp, etc., and the i)resence of foreign bodies in the stomachs inter- 

 fering with the movement of these organs. 



Symptoms. 



Cases of acute tympanites usually develoj) very suddenly and ar« 

 easy to diagnose. There is an enormous increase in the size of thw 

 abdomen especially marked in the left flank, and the animal shows 

 marked uneasiness, such as crouching, stamping with its feet, kicking 

 at the abdomen or arching its back. Practically no faeces are passed 

 and the movements of the bowels are at a standstill. The pressure 

 of the distended stomach on the lungs and heart causes distressed and 

 difficult breathing, the animal's nostrils and mouth being wide open, 

 and the tongue hanging out. Later, again owing to pressure of the 



