496 



THE DISEASES AND DISOEDEES OF THE OX. 



useful, and hence the animal's left side should be well rubbed 

 with the hand. A little exercise should be given. Some may 

 recommend that warm water should be injected into the stomach 

 by means of the stomach-pump. 



In some cases the operation of rumenotomjj, or jyaunching, 

 as it is sometimes termed, must be performed. With this pur- 

 pose in view, the animal is first placed witli the right side in 

 contiguity with a wall, just at the end thereof, and the tail must 

 be firmly held round the corner towards the right side. The 

 nose is held firmly with pincers, and firm pressure must be applied 

 to the left shoulder and hip, so as to prevent the animal moving 

 too much to the left. The skin and outer layer of muscle is then 



Fig. 64. 

 This illustration shows an opening into the rumen for the purpose of a 

 mechanical removal of its contents. 



to be cut through, beginning from about the same spot as that 

 spoken of as the site for puncture of the rumen, viz. about a 

 hand's breadth from the projection of the hip and a hand's 

 breadth from the last rib. The incision is to be carried directly 

 downwards for about six inches. Then the inner layer and the 

 peritoneum are to be divided, the rumen being thereby exposed. 

 An incision big enough to allow of the entrance of the hand 

 must be made in the rumen, near the top of the incision. The 

 exposed edges of that organ must then be held, and retained 

 in firm grasp by suitable hooks, or better still, the rumen must 

 be secured to the outer skin by means of metallic sutures. 

 A thin linen cloth, or a large silk handkerchief, or a good-sized 

 towel is to be carefully introduced into the paunch in a grooved 

 manner so as to act the part of a bridge, over which a large 



