254 Dilatation of the Rumen. 



other important step is massage of the rumen to assist in or 

 directly bring about the movements of the rumen. The effect 

 of massage can be increased by methodical leading around of 

 the animal and by repeated frictions of the regions of the flanks 

 and sides. 



Massage of the rumen is to be carried out by making moderate pressure 

 with both fists along the whole left flank, both upward and downward, and also 

 boring motions upon the contents of the rumen. Massage is kept up for five to ten 

 minutes and, except in the case of sows near parturition, it is followed by the 

 same procedure on the right side. When the rumen is very much overfilled, massage 

 must be carried out simultaneously on both sides by two persons. The procedure 

 is repeated every two to three hoursj in milder cases, however, only two to three 

 times a day (Eber, Schlamjip). 



Cases of dilatation of the rumen of moderate severity may 

 be cured by the withdrawal of rough feed and by a systematic 

 massage. The latter can be supported effectively by certain 

 laxatives and these should be administered, particularly in the 

 severer cases. Best suited are those remedies which can be in- 

 jected subcutaneously, for instance, eseridinum tartaricum (eser- 

 idine 0.2-0.3 gm., acid tart. 0.01 gm., aquge dest. 20 cc. for adult 

 cattle [Eber]), veratrinum sulfruricum (0.01 ?0. 15 gm. for adult 

 cattle ; 0.03-0.04 gm. for goats and sheep, dissolved in fifty parts 

 of alcohol), eserine (0.15-0.20 gm. for cattle [Feser]); the lat- 

 ter, however, sometimes causes excitment, dyspnea, abortion or 

 even suffocation, and should not be used in small ruminants. 

 Pilocarpine (0.3-0.5 gm.) may be used in cattle, without hesita- 

 tion (Kunke). Tartar-emetic (3-4 gm. daily per mouth — great 

 care in the administration), chloride of barimn (6-10 gm. in a 

 quart of water per mouth) and veratrum (10-20 gm. of the pow- 

 dered root or of the tincture) may also be serviceable. These 

 medicines are also indicated in milder cases in place of massage 

 of the rumen, when the latter for some cause or other cannot 

 be carried out. The internal administration of other medicines 

 appears superfluous, except, perhaps, hydrochloric acid and bi- 

 carbonate of potash with equal parts of common salt; these may 

 be given to stimulate the appetite after the removal of the 

 masses from the rumen has begun (Eber). 



If there is danger of suffocation, puncture of the nunen 

 will be of service only if there is a strong development of gas ; 

 otherwise it only causes a moderate transitory improvement. 

 In the latter case rumenotomy cannot be avoided in order to 

 remove the food mass through the wall of the rumen. 



Following the operation the grave symptoms decrease at 

 once, the animal becomes more lively, moves more easily, rumi- 

 nation and defecation appear and digestion becomes normal 

 within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. 



Since the contents of the rumen as a rule are matted to- 

 gether and are strongly fermenting, it is advisable to wash out the 

 organ with a dilute non-corrosive disinfectant solution through 



