348 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. — Oct., 1922. 



consisting' of a sliorl stout i)iec(" of wood with a iiole tluoiigh its 

 central part, is fixed in the mouth. After oiling the whole tube well, 

 the flexible end is passed through the hole, in the mouth gag- along the 

 roof of the mouth at first very cautiously, as there is a slight danger 

 of it entering the windpipe. When this happens, the aninuil will 

 start coughing, in which case the tube must be withdrawn immedi- 

 ately. After the tube has entered the gullet it may be pushed in 

 quickly, but later when it passes into the stomach gentle pushing 

 must again be resorted to. In the metal cup of the free end a small 

 hole is present, and this must be on top when the tube has entered 

 the stomach, since it is specially intended to indicate the correct direc- 

 tion which the tube should take in the stonurch. 



As soon as the tube has been inserted, the gas will rush out from 

 its free end, but should this not take place immediately, or in the 

 event of the flow of gas being interrupted, the tube may be withdrawn 

 for about half its length, and then pushed in again. The probang 

 may also be withdrawn for the purpose of (deaning, etc., and intro- 

 duced again. 



After the Operation. 



After all or most of the gas has escaped, medicinal agents, such 

 as ammonium carbonate 1 oz., or sodium bicarbonate 1-2 oz., or 2 oz. 

 turpentine in h bottle of milk, may be introduced into the stomach 

 through the opening of the tube. 



The animal should then be kept quiet and food given very 

 sparingly for a few days until the stomach has resumed its normal 

 functions. 



If after 24 hours the bowels have not acted, a saline purgative, 

 such as 5 lb. each of common salts and epsom ^salts, mixed in 4 hottles 

 lukewarm water, may be given. Medicines having a tonic or stimu- 

 lating effect on the stomach are then indicated and the following 

 mixture may be tried: — Powdered nux vomica, 1 dram; powdered 

 ginger, 2 dranvs; powdered gentian, 2 drams. 



The quantities given aie intended for one dose, and two doses 

 should be given per day for about 6 or 7 days, or until improvement 

 takes place. 



Obstruction in the Gullet. 



When the lioven is due to an obstruction in the gullet, the tube 

 should be employed to push the obstructing body gently and gradually 

 towards the stomach. In such a case it may be found necessary to 

 reverse the tube and insert the cup-shaped end first. When this 

 method fails owing to the obstructing body being too large or too 

 firmly fixed in the gullet, surgical measures may have to be resorted 

 to to effect its removal. If the body is of a soft nature (piece of root, 

 etc.), it may be left in the gullet for a few days when maceration will 

 have the effect of reducing its size. In this case puncturing the rumen 

 must be carried out to allows the accumulated gases to escape, and 

 moreover, the canula must be left in situ in the stomach, so as to 

 provide free exit for gases which will form afterwards. 



In conclusion, cattle farmers, especially those in possession of 

 pedigree stock, are advised to keep the instrument described here. Dr. 

 Nuesch's stomach tube, on the farm, because it may come in very 

 handy, and be the means of saving the lives of some of their animals. 



