182 INDIGESTION. 



there is an absence of pulmonary crepitation, of pleural effusion, 

 and of movement in the rumen and omasum. Signs of gastric and 

 intestinal disorder can be detected. 



Lesions. The omasum is gorged — it may be twice its normal size — 

 solid, resistant, almost stony. The spaces between the leaves are 

 packed with dried food, which, when removed, carries a layer of epi- 

 thelium from the mucous membrane. (This (layer on contents) is not 

 inconsistent with health.) 



The rumen contains ingesta packed in masses, more or less offensive 

 from putrefaction. 



The abomasum is empty of food, but contains much mucus. Its 

 mucous membrane is congested. 



The small intestine is red in places, empty and collapsed. 



The larger intestine contains a quantity of dry, glistening pellets, and 

 much mucus. 



Treatment follows the lines of impaction of rumen, though the 

 response is usually less certain, and always slower. Flax-seed tea, 

 several bucketfuls per day, will often succeed. 



Epsom and common salts, with sol. ammonias, excite thirst ; liquids 

 should be supplied freely. 



In obstinate cases, and in absence of gastric or cerebral congestion, 

 20 croton beans, or 20 drops of croton oil, may be added to the purgative. 

 Nux vomica stimulates the nervous supply. Enemata may be given 

 freely. 



Other remedies, stimulating contractility and secretion, are : Eserine, 

 IJ grains ; veratrine, 1 grain ; barium chloride, 10 to 15 grains ; or pilo- 

 carpin, 3 grains, hypodermically. 



The patient may be days or even a week without alvine discharge and 

 recover. 



If fever and symptoms of gastric congestion appear, a blister may be 

 applied to the right side over the omasum. 



Nervous symptoms, such as dilated pupils, blindness, congested 

 mucous membrane, hot horns and ears, drowsiness or excitement, are 

 combated by aj^plying cold water or ice to poll, etc. 



When free action of the bowels is restored, laxative diet, roots 

 (pulped), green food, plenty of common salt, and free access to drinking 

 water should be prescribed. 



During convalescence a course of tonics, including nux vomica, is 

 advisable to help in restoring normal gastric functions. 



ABOMASAL INDIGESTION. 



Primary indigestion in the abomasum appears to be rare in adults, 

 for until the present time no one has given a sufficiently characteristic 



