196 THE farmer's veterinarian 



rumen. Inflammation often results, with dis- 

 tress and pain manifest. If relief is not at- 

 tained the walls of the rumen become para- 

 lyzed. Associated with the disturbances the animal 

 is dull, the left side swollen, the breathing and pulse 

 increase and the back aches. When lying down, 

 the left side is always up. In treating, cold water 

 dashed over the back and loins is recommended. A 

 strong physic of Epsom salts and ginger will aid 

 in stimulating the secretions and may bring relief. 

 If gas accumulates so as to threaten the life of the 

 animal, the trocar and canula should be used. If 

 these are not available, use the knife, as described 

 for hoven or bloat. In some cases the impaction 

 becomes so pronounced as to resist ordinary treat- 

 ment, when extreme measures will be necessary if 

 the animal is to be saved. Better call your veteri- 

 narian and open the rumen in order to remove the 

 contents with the hand. The operation is as fol- 

 lows: At the point midway between the point of 

 the hip and the last rib, and down about four inches 

 from the backbone, an opening is made large 

 enough to admit the hand. After the opening is 

 made the edges are stitched to prevent any material 

 from getting between the skin and the rumen wall. 

 Now remove the greater part of the accumulated 

 material; this done, the rumen, the muscles and 

 the skin are each in turn stitched, the wound 

 dressed and the animal given stimulating medicines. 

 A splendid tonic consists of 4 tablespoonfuls each 

 of ginger, tincture of gentian and tincture of iron. 

 Give this tonic daily and until the animal has fully 

 recovered. 



INDIGESTION.— Failure to digest food with 

 abdominal pains and indisposition resulting. Bad 

 food and improper management are back of the 



