THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 189 



cannula must be inserted into the side, and the hyposulphite of soda 

 and water, as above, or a solution of chloride of lime, be injected 

 into the stomach through the cannula by a small enema syringe. 

 Choking with potatoes, turnips, etc., also causes the stomach to 

 be distended with gas {par. 240). When the animal picks up 

 foreign bodies, such as stones, bones, leather, wood, etc., or has 

 tumours, abscesses, or hair-balls in its stomach, there are periodical 

 or intermittent distensions about every five or six hours. These are 

 very difficult to treat. Tablespoonful doses of chloride of lime in milk, 

 or 2 ounces hyposulphite of soda in water, at times gives relief in 

 such cases. The stomach also becomes periodically distended with 

 gas from rupture, stricture, or dilatation of the gullet, or from a 

 rent in the rumen (par. 241). In these cases, the sooner profes- 

 sional advice is got, the better for the animal and the owner as 

 well. 



296. Impaction of the Rumen — Plenalvia, Grain Sickness — an 

 overdistension of the stomach with food. This derangement occurs 

 in stall-fed animals, more particularly if they have had an excess of 

 dry food, such as meals (of doubtful quality) or frosted turnips. 

 The walls of the stomach become partially paralyzed, and their 

 actions are suspended. Sometimes there is gas present, and the 

 left side of the animal is seen to be distended. Symptoms. — On 

 pressing the ringers into the flank, between the last rib and haunch 

 bone, the stomach is felt to be full and doughy, and at times slightly 

 * drummy.' The animal stands perfectly still, emitting a peculiar 

 ' grank* or * grunt.' The head is extended, nose slightly lowered, and 

 back arched, while there is a thoughtful expression on the face. 

 The pulse may, or may not, be disturbed, but I have never seen 

 any indication of colicky pains, as described by some. The appetite 

 is entirely gone, and rumination is suspended ; while in the milch 

 cow the secretion is stopped. There is generally slight diarrhoea at 

 the onset, but this soon stops, and then no faeces are passed for some 

 days. Treatment. — If gas is present, 1 pint of linseed oil and 2 ounces 

 of turpentine should be given first, followed up in an hour or so by 

 10 to 16 ounces of Epsom salts, along with 2 ounces each of powdered 



