THE MORE COMMON AILMENTS OF SHEEP 405 



dition. The distension resulting may so press upon the 

 lungs that the animal unless speedily relieved may die 

 from suffocation. 



This trouble may be prevented by not allowing the 

 animals to feed upon such foods when the stomach is 

 empty. When admitting them to these, it is especially 

 important that they have been fed some palatable food, 

 and preferably a dry food, before admitting them to such 

 pastures. When they have become accustomed to these 

 the danger is much less, but it is not entirely obviated. 

 It is always materially lessened by feeding the sheep a 

 small grain ration in the early morning. This is espe- 

 cially important after the season of early frosts has 

 arrived. 



The treatment that most speedily and most surely 

 brings relief results from the use of the trocar and can- 

 ula. The former is used in puncturing the paunch and the 

 latter remaining in the puncture is used in furnishing a 

 channel for the escape of the gas. Puncture with a knife 

 is hazardous. It may bring temporary relief, but in the 

 puncture thus made some of the contents of the stomach 

 may escape and lead to results that are disastrous. A 

 mild purgative is usually in order after the bloating has 

 been relieved. In the absence of the trocar and canula, 

 relief has been obtained in some instances by inserting a 

 large rope of suitable size in the mouth in the form of a 

 bit. It is held in place by strings tied to each end and 

 again at the summit of the head. This treatment aids in 

 the escape of the gas. 



Indigestion may result from a great variety of causes. 

 Among these are the following: Feeding food over- 

 succulent or overdry, in an improper condition or ex- 

 cessive in quantity. 



The symptoms will vary with the cause. Food over- 

 succulent is much liable to lead to diarrhea ; when lacking 

 in succulence, it may lead to impaction. If fed in an im- 

 proper condition, as when moldy, it may lead to serious 



