IMPACTION OF THE OMASUM (THIRD STOMACH). 181 



shivering, the ears and limbs are cold, the hair is erect in patches, dry 

 and lustreless. 



In cases occurring independently of previous disease, diarrhoea may 

 be the first symptom observed, the malady being preceded by local irrita- 

 tion and congestion ; but this soon gives place to constipation or diarrhcea 

 and the symptoms above mentioned. The animal is found lying apart 

 on its left side, with its nose in its right flank, the pulse and breathing 

 quickened, the eyes congested; expiration is accompanied by a grunt. 

 The patient walks with its back arched and dragging its limbs. The 

 appetite may continue, but only in an impaired and irregular form, and 

 as rumination ceases grinding of the teeth becomes common. The 

 secretion of milk is diminished or arrested, emaciation advances day by 

 day. Foetid eructation may be a marked symptom. This form may 

 last from ten to fourteen days, and merge finally into paralysis of the 

 hind limbs, drowsiness and stupor, or delirium and convulsions. 



"In more acute cases (from sudden access of green food, change of 

 water, or ingestion of irritant plants), the affection partakes more or 

 less of the nature of congestion or inflammation of the viscus (omasitis), 

 and may run a rapidly fatal course" (Law, loc. cit.). The animal is seen 

 apart from the herd in a characteristic recumbent position, the eyes are 

 red and glassy, the eyelids semi-closed, the patient shows much drowsi- 

 ness and stupor, but when raised may still feed in a sleepy, listless 

 manner. The bowels are loose or confined, the pulse and breathing 

 accelerated, the right hypo-chondrium is firm and tender, and the sound 

 of fermentation absent or subdued over the omasum. Soon nervous dis- 

 order appears, the eyes glare wildly, the animal seeks relief in motion^ 

 sometimes in a straight line, sometimes to one side — and being blind and 

 unconscious of obstacles, may fall into pits or ditches, knock against 

 trees, fences, gates, or buildings, and continue pushing against resisting 

 objects, breaking its horns or teeth, and otherwise sustaining injury 

 through violent muscular contractions. 



Course. Chronic cases may continue indefinitely, with symptoms of 

 poor health, impaired digestion, and gradual loss of condition. After 

 death the omasum may contain dried food which the animal consumed 

 several months before the attack. 



In cases ending in early recovery there occurs abundant diarrhoea, 

 "the faeces are mixed with flattened, dark, solid, and polished masses, the 

 impacted ingesta from the omasum. Tympany subsides ; movement 

 in rumen and omasum and rumbling in bowels can be heard. Appetite 

 returns." (Law.) 



Diagnosis. The condition of the pulse and respiration, and the 

 grunting with expiration may lead to confusion with pneumonia. 



At first there is no fever, tenderness is confined to the right flank ; 



