262 



The Care of Animals 



downward and forward, and pushed into the rumen. 

 Fig. 50. The trocar is withdrawn, leaving the canula 

 in the opening for the escape of gas. The gas will 

 rush out, and often bring with it a small 

 amount of partially -digested food. Should the 

 gas not escape, push the trocar into the canula, 

 to clear out the food. In some cases, it is 

 necessary to withdraw the trocar and canula, 

 change its direction and insert it again, using 

 the same opening in the skin. In the absence 

 of a trocar and canula, a pocket-knife can 

 be used, care being taken to direct the edge 

 of the blade dow^nward, so that, if the animal 

 jumps, too large an incision will not be made. 

 If the case is not so serious, medicinal re- 

 medies will usually give relief. Place a large 

 L- wooden bit, about the size of a fork handle, 

 \i on which some pine tar may be daubed, in 

 the mouth and hold it in place by a rope 

 back of the horns. After the bit is secured, 

 a small handful of salt, thrown well back in 

 the mouth, causes the animal to work the tongue, stimu- 

 lates the flow of sa'liva, and promotes the regurgitation, 

 or gulping up of gas. A piece of tarred rope, tied 

 through the mouth and back of the horns, is ex- 

 cellent. Turpentine, in two -ounce doses for adult 

 cattle, is a good remedy; but it must be well diluted 

 with milk, to prevent injuring the animal. Hyposul- 

 fite of soda, in ounce doses dissolved in water, is 

 good, as is finely pulverized charcoal in heaping table- 

 spoonful doses. Cold water may be dashed over the 



Fig. 50. 



Trocar 



and canula 



