DISEASES OF THE OX AND SHEEP. 485 



from absorption of the accumulated gases into the blood. The 

 gases which are found in the rumen are those known as car- 

 buretted and sulphuretted hydrogen, and carbon dioxide and 

 monoxide, and when passed through a cannula, they will burn. 



In regard to the treatment of acute tympanites, active 

 measures, we must point out, should at once be taken. If the 

 animal is ready for the butcher, immediate disposal of it for food 

 should at once be advised. The disorder may be treated by the 

 help of the probang, the cannula for the rumen, or by means of 

 the administration of certain drugs, preferably those of an anti- 

 septic nature. Except in very urgent cases, of which we shall 

 shortly speak, and for which the best treatment consists in punc- 

 turing the distended rumen with the trocar, diffusible stimulants 

 administered promptly are efficacious in dispelling the accumu- 

 lated gases. The remedies of the stimulant class which are 

 highly valued are solution of ammonia and carbonate of ammo- 

 nium in solution. Of the antiseptic remedies, the sulphite and 

 hyposulphite of sodium are most valuable. A draught which 

 answers as well as any is made of one fluid ounce of solution of 

 ammonia and two fluid ounces of tincture of cardamoms, and 

 this may be given in a quart of warm ale, and may be repeated 

 in an hour and a half if necessary. If the aromatic spirit of 

 ammonia be given, four ounces may be similarly administered in 

 warm ale. After abatement of the acute symptoms, a full dose of 

 Epsom salts with ginger and caraway seeds should be given in 

 three gills of warm water, eight drachms of aloes in solution in 

 eight ounces of water being added. For some days after recovery, 

 the animal must be kept on a very restricted diet. The hypo- 

 sulphite of sodium, in doses of half an ounce, given in a pint of 

 warm water, is a very good draught in cases of tympanites, its value 

 depending upon the power it has of arresting further fermenta- 

 tion and consequent formation of gases generated in the decom- 

 position of the elements of food in the rumen. In very severe 

 «ases it is best for the veterinarian to pass the trocar and the 

 cannula. 



The spot chosen for this operation is half-way between the 

 last rib and the haunch-bone or ilium, and about four inches 

 rbelow the lumbar processes. The most prominent part of the 

 swelling is generally a sufficient guide for the operator in punc- 

 turing the rumen in such cases. For the ox, the trocar is 



