DISEASES OI< THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 33 



special importance in the handling of animals that possess an 

 individual predisposition toward this class of disease. In mild 

 attacks the animal should ho suhjccted to a rigid or careful diet 

 during the attack and for a few days later. 



It is advisable to place the animal in a comfortable stall that 

 is well bedded with straw and plenty large for it to move about 

 in. If a roomy sick-stall can not be provided, a grass lot or l)arn 

 floor nuiy be used. If the weather is chilly or cold, the ])ody 

 should be covered with a blanket and roller bandages applied 

 to the limbs. 



Bulky drenches should not be given. Stimulants and drugs 

 capable of retarding fermentation are indicated. Sometimes 

 the administration of a sedative is indicated. Treatment should 

 be prompt, as in many cases fermentation of the contents of the 

 stomach occurs and gases form rapidly. From two to four ounces 

 of oil of turpentine may be given in from six to eight ounces 

 of linseed oil. 



' Acute Indigestion of the Stomach of Ruminants. — The dif- 

 ferent forms of acute indigestion are bloating, overloading of 

 the rumen and impaction of the omasum. 



Tympanites, " Bloating." — This disorder is usually caused 

 by animals feeding on green feeds, such as clover, alfalfa and 

 green corn, that ferment readily. Stormy, rainy weather seems 

 to favor bloating. The consumption of spoiled feeds such as 

 potatoes and beets may cause it. The drinking of a large quan- 

 tity of water, especially if cold, chills the wall of the rumen and 

 interferes with its movement. Frozen feeds may act in the same 

 way. Sudden changes in the feed, inflammation of the rumen, 

 and a weak peristaltic movement of the paunch resulting from 

 disease or insufficient nourishment are frequent causes. It may 

 occur in chronic disease. In tuberculosis, bloating sometimes 

 occurs. 



The symptoms are as follows: The paunch or rumen occu- 

 pies the left side of the abdominal cavity, hence the distention of 

 3 



