44 DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 



allow the escape of gas or the trocar and canula 

 used as for tympanitis. Cases have been cured 

 by throwing cold water over the back and loins. 

 If the distention is not too great, give a dose of 

 Epsom salts and ginger; pressing and rubbing the 

 rumen is sometimes successful, but if these meth- 

 ods fail it will be necessary before the animal is 

 exhausted or the brain becomes congested to make 

 a large opening in the rumen and remove a part of 

 the contents with the hand. Place the animal 

 with its right side against a w T all and let an as- 

 sistant hold it by the nose, at a point midway be- 

 tween the last rib and haunch bone and about a 

 span from the backbone. 



Make an opening from this point downward 

 large enough to admit the hand; the edges of the 

 wound should be stitched together to prevent food 

 getting in between the skin and the walls of the 

 rumen; then with the hand remove the greater 

 part of the mass. It is best to leave a little to 

 stimulate it. Then stitch up the walls of the ru- 

 men, first with carbolized catgut, care being taken 

 that the edges are inverted. The wound of the 

 muscles and skin then being stitched up, cold 

 water dressing should be applied and the animal 

 given stimulants. Tincture of ginger one ounce, 

 tincture of gentian one ounce, tincture of iron one 

 ounce, mix and give in a quart of oatmeal gruel. 

 Give two such doses daily until the animal is well. 

 I have operated on three cows with success; one 

 5rom an overdose of cabbage leaves, one from rye 



