SIMPLE DIARRHEA IN CALVES 217 



Mild cases of hoven may be successfully treated by placing a 

 rope or straw band smeared with tar or some other nauseous 

 material in the animal's mouth, securing it by tying behind the 

 horns. Vigorous massage on the left flank tends to relieve the 

 distended paunch and is practiced with good results in cases 

 which are not severe. In severe cases the trocar and cannula 

 should be used without delay. To puncture the rumen (paunch) 

 a spot should be selected that is equally distant from the last 

 rib, the hip-bone, and the transverse processes of the lumbar 

 vertebras (Fig. 73). The trocar should be held so that the 

 sharp point is directed downward, inward, and slightly forward 

 when by a sharp blow with the palm of the hand it is plunged 

 into the paunch. A previous incision about one-half inch in 

 length through the skin makes the operation easier. The can- 

 nula or sheath of the trocar should be allowed to remain in the 

 paunch as long as any gas escapes from it. If the cannula is 

 removed while gas is still forming in the paunch it may become 

 necessary to insert it again. In obstinate cases it is sometimes 

 necessary to leave the cannula in the paunch for several hours. 

 When a trocar is not obtainable, the operation may be performed 

 with a knife. After the bloating has subsided, it is advisable 

 to drench the animal with a pound or a pound and one-half of 

 epsom or Glauber salts. A recent bulletin issued by the Ken- 

 tucky Station recommends the use of formalin for the treat- 

 ment of bloat, when caused by clover. They advise drenching 

 the affected animal with one quart of a one and one-half per 

 cent solution of formalin in water. 



SIMPLE DIARRHEA ( SCOURING) IN CALVES 



Scours in calves is a rather common disease and is usually 

 caused by improper diet. The disease, white scours, is in- 

 fectious in nature and while occurring quite often, is not nearly 

 so common as the simple form. 



Causes. — Simple scouring is a common result of indigestion 

 caused by a too liberal supply of milk or too rich milk. Scour- 



