CHAPTER XVI. 

 ACCIDENTS, ETC. 



I. CHOKING. II. FRACTURES. III. WOUNDS. IV. DISLOCATIONS. — 1= — V. 



SPRAINS. VI. WENS. VII. BLOAT IN CATTLE. 



In this chapter we shall treat of the more common accidents, such as 

 every stock-man is called on to face more or less frequently every year. 

 They often require immediate attention, and even if a veterinary sur- 

 geon is Avithin reach it will in many cases be very desirable to take a half 

 dozen stitches or so, while waiting for him. 



I. Choking. 



This is a common accident where roots are fed, and it may happen on 

 any farm in the fall, if the cattle have access to apples, etc. The im- 

 perfectly chewed turnip or apple sticks in the gullet, (which in cattle is 

 small), and resists all the animal's efforts to dislodge it. 



How to know it. — There is always tympanitis ; the head is extended 

 and neck stretched out ; saliva drools from the mouth ; the animal mani- 

 fests restlessness and pain ; she keeps chewing and making frequent 

 efforts to swallow ; and an anxious expression is seen on the countenance. 

 Death may follow, either from suffocation or from rupture of the dia- 

 phragm . 



What to do. — Ascertain if the object is in the throat or neck, and if 

 it is, place a balling iron in the mouth, (or a plow clevis may be used, pro- 

 vided it will open the mouth wide enough to allow the hand to be inserted ) ; 

 have the head steadied, and insert your hand and take it out. An assist- 

 ant to manipulate the obstruction on the outside, and push it up against 

 you, will facilitate its removal wonderfully. If it cannot be reached, tap 

 the paunch with the trochar and cannula, to evacuate the gas ; (see cuts 

 on pages 861 and 862) ; then pass down the probang, and with steady, 

 gentle force push it through into the stomach. In the absence of a pro- 

 bang, a strong, three-quarter inch rope may be used. Dip it in hot water 

 and oil it ; then pass it down, twisting occasionally with the twist of the 

 rope. Even, gentle pressure on the probang will make the obstruction 

 yield in a few minutes. 



n. Fractures. 



As a rule, a broken bone is more easily repaired in the case of cattle 

 than in horses, owing to their being more auiet. Fractures are classified 



923 



