264 Acute Bloating of Ruminants. 



Eber wants the term chrouic tympanitis reserved for those morbid conditions 

 where the function of the stomach is not disturbed at all or shows a very minor 

 degree of disturbance in spite of bloating of a high degree. 



Course. Chronic tympanitis usually develops slowly and 

 extends over weeks and months. Its course is determined by 

 the underlying primary affection. 



Diagnosis. The periodic appearance of generally moderate 

 bloating is sufficient for a diagnosis. Since chronic tympanitis 

 is only a sjanptom it is always desirable to diagnosticate the 

 underlying primary affection. It is then important to remem- 

 ber that chronic tympanitis due to an affection of the esophagus 

 or depending upon tuberculous mediastinal glands is charac- 

 terized by periodically recurring attacks of bloating of the ru- 

 men without disturbance of the gastric function or in very se- 

 vere cases wdth little disturbance ; also that all symptoms cease 

 after the removal of the gases through the esophageal tube or 

 through puncture of the rumen (see page 233). In chronic 

 bloating due to intestinal stenosis the gastric function is dis- 

 turbed and disturbances of defecation are particularly well 

 marked. 



When other gastric disturbances are associated with chronic 

 tympanitis, primary or secondary disease of the fore-stomachs 

 must be looked for (atony of the fore-stomachs, foreign bodies) 

 or of the rennet. 



Prognosis. Chronic tympanitis does not endanger life per 

 se; however, its periodic appearance disturbs the nutrition to a 

 certain degree, but the emaciation which finally comes on is really 

 due to the underlying primary disease. The latter also de- 

 termines the prognosis. 



Treatment. The removal of the fermenting food may be 

 accomplished by stimulation of the movements of the rumen 

 through massage of the rumen in an elevated position and by 

 the administration of certain medicines, mentioned before (see 

 pages 253 and 254). In addition laxative salts may be given 

 (200.0-300.0 gm. or 10-25.0 gm. for smaller animals) combined 

 with tartar emetic (2.0-3.0 gm. or 0.3-0.5 gm.), aloes (5-10.0 gm. 

 or 2-3.0 gm.) or ipecacuanha (4-6.0 gm.). Such medicines must 

 be given repeatedly. Anti-fermentative solutions (see page 261) 

 are also useful, particularly disinfectants, and eventually also 

 lavage of the rumen (see page 274). After the morbid condi- 

 tion has been removed, one should administer, with proper feed- 

 ing, some more laxative salts, but in smaller doses (30-50.0 gm. 

 or 5.0-10.0 gm.). Good effects are also seen from chloride of 

 barium (6-8.0 gm.) dissolved in Avater (Faber, Harder). 



In the presence of an incurable underlying condition, it is 

 advisalile to slaughter the animals. If there is reason for sup- 

 pecting a foreign body in the stomach, incision into the rumen 



