84 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



sharp point of the trocar free. In selecting the point for using 

 the trocar a spot equally distant from the last rib, the hip bone, 

 and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae must be chosen. 

 Here an incision about three-fourths of an inch long should be 

 made with a knife through the skin, and then, the sharp point of 

 the trocar being directed downward, inward, and slightly forward,, 

 is thrust into the paunch. The sheath of the trocar should be left 

 in the paunch so long as any gas continues to issue from it. If the 

 canula, or sheath, of the trocar is removed while gas is still, form- 

 ing in the paunch and the left flank becomes considerably swollen/ 

 it may be necessary to insert it again. It is well, accordingly, to 

 observe the canula closely, and if gas is found to be issuing from it, 

 it should not be removed. When gas issues from the canula in con- 

 siderable quantity the sound accompanying its escape renders the 

 exact condition obvious. It is occasionally necessary to keep the 

 canula in the stomach for several hours. When this is necessary a 

 piece of stout cord should be passed around the neck of the canula 

 immediately below the projecting rim and then be passed around 

 the animal's body and tied in a secure knot, and a careful attendant 

 must remain with the cow during the entire period that the instru- 

 ment is in place. The rim surrounding the mouth of the canula 

 should be in contact with the skin. Whenever the person in charge 

 of the cow is satisfied that gas has ceased to issue from the canula 

 the instrument should be removed. 



The trocar is to be employed only in extreme or urgent cases, 

 though everyone who has had experience in treating indigestion in 

 cattle will realize that he has saved the lives of many animals by 

 its prompt application. When the tympanitic animal is not dis- 

 tressed and the swelling of the flank is not great, or when the most 

 distressing condition has been removed by the use of the trocar, it 

 is best to resort to the administration of internal medicine. Two 

 ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia should be given every half 

 hour in a quart of cold water, or half an ounce of chloride of lime 

 may be dissolved in a pint of tepid water and the dose repeated 

 every half hour until the bloating has subsided, or 1 ounce of cre- 

 olin in 2 parts of tepid water may be given at one dose or carefully 

 injected through the canula directly into the paunch to inhibit 

 fermentation and the recurrent formation of gas. It is generally 

 necessary to give a dose of purgative medicine after bloating has 

 subsided, as animals frequently show symptoms of constipation after 

 attacks of indigestion. For tnis purpose 1 or l 1 /^ pounds of Glau- 

 ber's salts may be used. 



Chronie Tympanites. Cattle, especially those which have been 

 kept in the stable all winter, are liable to suffer from chronic tym- 

 panites. In this form the animal bloats up after feeding, but sel- 

 dom swells so much as to cause any alarm. The chronic form of in- 

 digestion may also follow an acute attack like that previously de- 

 scribed. This is also a symptom of tuberculosis in those cases in 

 which the lymphatic glands lying between the lungs are so en- 

 larged as to press upon and partly occlude the esophagus. 



