442 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



whisky, etc. In tympanites produced by kitchen refuse, it 

 becomes necessary to watch the case for a day or two, to 

 prevent a return of the condition, and give tonics, etc. 



IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN. 



This condition consists of the jjresence within the rumen 

 of an excessive quantity of food, which, becoming impacted, 

 partially or completely paralyzes the coats of the rumen. 

 The impaction may be the result of one excessive meal ; 

 or may be due to the gradual accumulation of food in the 

 rumen. It may be caused by the owner, through mistaken 

 kindness, feeding the animal largely, perhaps in compensa- 

 tion for a day or two of fasting. In some cases as much as 

 one hundred and fifty pounds of food may be impacted 

 within the rumen of an ordinary sized ox. 



Symptoms. — The condition may exist for several days 

 before giving rise to any well marked symptoms. About 

 the first symptom noticed is either increasing dulness, or 

 uneasiness on the part of the animal. If a milch cow, she 

 shows a falling off in the quantity of milk, the pulse is 

 quickened, and rumination ceases, respiration is also quick- 

 ened, the muzzle of the animal is usually found to be dry 

 and hot, and the coat harsh, dry, and dusty in appearance. 

 On making an examination of the region of the rumen, in 

 many cases it may be seen to be slightly distended. This 

 symptom, however, is not always present. The practitioner, 

 by pressure upon the rumen, may satisfy himself as to 

 its condition. If very full, the indentation caused by the 

 pressure of the fingers upon the part will remain for some 

 time after the hand is withdrawn. The rumen has a sort 

 of doughy-feeling under the fingers. There will usually be 

 observed a flow of saliva from the mouth, and occasionally 

 the condition may be mistaken for a case of choking — such 



