THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 147 



boiled. Another cause of stomach derangement arises from the 

 animal bolting the food without chewing it, thus preventing the food 

 being properly mixed with the salivary secretions, and, consequently, 

 fermentation or generation of gases takes place, which may even 

 distend the stomach till it ruptures. Colicky, griping pains may be 

 present; but occasionally cases are met with when no such symptoms 

 are shown, the animal standing quite still, hanging its head, blowing 

 fast, and having its stomach greatly distended. If this is not quickly 

 relieved, the mechanical pressure of the gas may cause death by 

 suffocation. Treatment. — In such cases, at the commencement, 

 1 or 2 ounces of bicarbonate of soda should be given in a pint of 

 water with \ pint of whisky — this may neutralize the gas and give 

 the stomach a fillip as well — or 2 to 4 ounces of hyposulphite of soda 

 dissolved in 1 pint of cold water, given with 2 ounces of tincture of 

 ginger, has a good effect. Should this not give relief, then the gas 

 will have to be drawn off with a fine trocar and cannula [Plate LIV., 

 No. 5), which has to be passed in on either side (preferably the 

 right) between the last rib and haunch. On the trocar being removed 

 the gas escapes through the cannula, giving instantaneous relief. 

 This operation should be done by a professional man. A ball 

 composed of 3 drachms of Barbadoes aloes, 2 drachms of carbonate 

 of soda, and 2 drachms of powdered rhubarb, can also be given. 



243. Rupture of the Stomach— a rent or tear in the walls of 

 the stomach. This fatal lesion is occasionally the result of some of 

 the causes named in the preceding paragraph, and may take place 

 with or without inflammation. In old subjects it is thought to 

 be due to degeneration of the walls of the stomach ; but one of 

 the principal causes is when the stomach is much distended with 

 gas from fermentation of the food and the patient throws itself 

 about, as in colic. When the rupture takes place, there is a sudden 

 and great prostration of the animal, breathing is short and quick, 

 nostrils are dilated, a cold, clammy perspiration bedews the body, 

 accompanied by trembling and quivering of the muscles, particularly 

 of the limbs, heavy sighs, and seeming fear to move ; in fact, the 

 animal stands obstinately until it drops and dies. Sometimes 



