42 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



the same distance from the short ribs. It is not 

 particular for an inch or so. When the animal is 

 greatly distended plunge the knife in and make a 

 hole large enough to admit the finger, which 

 should be put into the opening as soon as the knifV 

 is withdrawn, and the gas will rush out at the side 

 of the finger. It is necessary to do this because 

 when some of the gas comes out, the opening in 

 the skin will not be opposite to the opening in tin* 

 paunch and the gas will not escape 1 . The best in- 

 strument is the trocar and canula, which every 

 stockman should have. In using this instrument, 

 the skin should be cut with a knife, then the trocar 

 and canula pressed into the rumen, then the trocar 

 is drawn out, leaving the canula in, when the gas 

 will escape through it. If it is necessary to use it 

 a second time in the same animal a new opening 

 ought to be made. No after treatment of the 

 wound is necessary. 



CHRONIC HOVEN (TYMPANITIS). 



Some cows are predisposed to indigestion, re- 

 sulting in the formation of gas in the rumen, and 

 although not severe enough to call for tapping, in- 

 terferes with the animal's comfort and health. 

 Symptoms. — The animal is generally distended 

 with gas soon after eating; the cow grunts and 

 does not chew its cud; the hair becomes dry and 

 stands on end, and by degrees it becomes thin; 

 and, if giving milk, it is soon reduced in quality 

 and quantity. The bowels may be constipated or 

 a form of diarrhoea may set in. Treatment : Regu- 



