DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 273 



No. 4: 



Epsom salts 1 pounds. 



Calomel 1 dram. 



Croton oil J dram. 



Powdered ginger 1 ounce. 



The above formulas are intended for ordinary sized cows. You 

 can decrease or increase the dose, according to the size of the 

 animal. No. 1 is a laxative or mild purgative for a cow; while 

 No. 4 is a very strong purgative, given only in very severe cases 

 of constipation or indigestion. 



BLOATING, OR HOVEN. 



This is a common disease among cows, and is characterized by 

 the formation of gas in the paunch or rumen. It is very similar 

 to wind colic in the horse. In many cases it is a very serious con- 

 dition, and unless properly treated may cause the death of the 

 animal. 



Causes. Eating green food when not used to it, or eating 

 mouldy or musty food may cause hoven. Green cane is a very 

 frequent cause of this trouble, and it is a common thing for an 

 animal to die in one or two hours after getting into the cane 

 patch. Eating too much of any kind of grain or food which over- 

 loads the stomach may cause it. The overloaded stomach be- 

 comes paralyzed and inactive, and the large bulk of food lying 

 in there sours and ferments and forms gas which distends the 

 stomach. 



Symptoms. There is more or less swelling of the abdomen, 

 according to the severity of the trouble. The left flank is gen- 

 erally distended the most, and when struck with the tips of the 

 fingers a drum-like sound is heard. The animal is very uneasy, 



