DISEASES OF CATTLE 91 



The hairs which are swallowed are carried round by the contractions 

 of the stomach and gradually assume the form of a small pellet, 

 or ball. This increases in size as fresh quantities of hair are intro- 

 duced into the stomach, which become adherent to the surface of 

 the hair ball. These hair balls are found most frequently in the 

 reticulum, or second stomach, though sometimes in the rumen. 

 In calves hair balls are generally found in the fourth stomach. 



There are no certain symptoms by which we can determine the 

 presence of hair balls in the stomach, and therefore no treatment 

 can be recommended for such cases. In making post-mortem exam- 

 inations of cattle, we have sometimes found the walls of the retic- 

 ulum transfixed with nails or pieces of wire, and yet the animal 

 during life had not shown any symptoms of indigestion, but had 

 died from maladies not involving the second stomach. 



Indigestion (Dyspepsia, or G astro-Intestinal Catarrh}. Tym- 

 panites, already described, is a form of indigestion in which the 

 chief symptom and most threatening condition is the collection of 

 gas in the paunch. This symptom does not always accompany in- 

 digestion, so it is well to here consider other forms under a sepa- 

 rate head. If indigestion is long continued the irritant abnormal 

 products developed cause catarrh of the stomach and intestines - 

 gastro-intestinal catarrh. Or, on the other hand, irritant sub- 

 stances ingested may cause gastro-intestinal catarrh, which, in turn, 

 will cause indigestion. Hence it results that these several condi- 

 tions are usually found existing together. 



Causes. Irritant food, damaged food, overloading of the stom- 

 ach, and sudden changes of diet may cause this disease. Want of 

 exercise predisposes to it, or food which is coarse and indigestible 

 may after a time produce this condition. Food which possesses 

 astringent properties and tends to check secretion may also act as an 

 exciting cause. Food in excessive quantity may lead to disorder of 

 digestion and to this disease. It is very likely to appear toward the 

 end of protracted seasons of drought ; therefore a deficiency of water 

 must be regarded as one of the conditions which favor its devel- 

 opment. 



Symptoms. Diminished appetite, rumination irregular, tongue 

 coated, mouth slimy, dung passed apparently not well digested and 

 smelling badly, dullness, and fullness of the flanks^ The _ disease 

 may in some cases assume a chronic character, and in addition to 

 the foregoing symptoms slight bloating, or tympanites, of the left 

 flank may be observed; the animal breathes with effort and each 

 respiration may be accompanied by a grunt, the ears and horns are 

 alternately hot and cold, rumination ceases, the usual rumbling 

 sound in the stomach is not audible, the passage of dung is almost 

 entirely suspended, and the animal passes only a little mucus occa- 

 sionally. Sometimes there is alternating constipation and diarrhea. 

 There is low fever in many cases. 



The disease continues a few days or a week in the mild cases, 

 while the severe cases may last several weeks. In the latter form 

 the emaciation and loss of strength may be very great. There is 



