TREATMENT OF ACUTE TYMPANITES. 581 



keeps pace with the advancing distension ; the respirations become 

 shallow, the countenance is anxious, the veins about the head, neck, 

 and abdomen (milk vein) are greatly distended, the pulse grows more 

 frequent and smaller, the action of the heart tumultuous, and, after 

 staggering movements, the animal falls to the ground and dies from 

 suffocation. 



The course of the disease is acute ; death may occur within an 

 hour ; sometimes the attack continues for twelve to twenty-four 

 hours, seldom longer. The more rapid the rate of distension, the 

 greater the danger. The condition is particularly grave where the 

 right flank also appears distended. Slight cases may recover of 

 themselves, but severe ones are always fatal if speedy relief be not 



Fig. 413. — Mouth gag for oxen. 



afforded. Large numbers of animals when under similar conditions 

 may simultaneously become affected. 



Treatment. Internal remedies, such as lime water, liquor 

 ammonia?, oil of turpentine, petroleum, potassium chlorate, hypo- 

 sulphite of soda, &c, have been recommended to assist absorption of 

 gas and to prevent its further development. Lungwitz, on the 

 basis of his laboratory researches, recommends 4 per cent, magnesium 

 oxide suspended in water, milk of lime, and 2 per cent, of spirit of 

 ammonia, or, in emergencies, soapy water. These agents are seldom 

 of much service and are only used in semi-acute tympanites. 



Fastening a piece of plaited straw smeared with tar in the mouth, 

 inserting the mouth gag (Fig 413), or drawing the tongue strongly 

 forward, is said to assist eructation, and the use of the probang has 

 been recommended as giving immediate relief. 



Strong pressure on the left flank may be effective. The gases 

 are directly discharged and movements of the paunch at the same 

 time excited. 



