30 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



for using the trocar, a spot equally distant from the last rib, the hip 

 bone and the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae must be 

 chosen. Here an incision about three-quarters of an inch long- should 

 be made through the skin, and then the sharp point of the trocar 

 being directed downward, inward and slightly forward, is thrust into 

 the paunch. (Plate I.) The sheath of the trocar should be left in the 

 paunch as long as any gas .continues to issue from it. If the canula 

 or sheath of the trocar is removed while gas is still forming in the 

 paunch and the left flank becomes considerably swollen it may be 

 necessary to insert it again. It is well accordingly to observe the can- 

 ula closely and if gas is found to be issuing from it, it should not be 

 removed. In order to be certain on this point I have been in the habit 

 of placing the palm of iny hand about 2 inches above the mouth of the 

 canula, when if gas is issuing the sensation produced by the current of 

 gas coming against the skin will enable one to form an accurate opinion. 

 When gas issues from the canula in considerable quantity the sound 

 accompanying its escape renders the exact condition obvious. It is 

 occasionally necessary to keep the canula in the stomach for several 

 hours. When this is necessary a piece of stout cord should be passed 

 round the neck of the canula immediately below the projecting rim, 

 and then be passed round the animal's body and tied in a secure knot. 

 The rim surrounding the mouth of the canula should be in contact 

 with the skin. When the canula is secured as described it may remain 

 in the stomach over night. I have even found it necessary to keep it 

 in that position for two days. But whenever the person in charge of 

 the cow is satisfied that gas has ceased to issue from the canula it should 

 be removed. 



The canula is only to be employed in extreme or urgent cases, though 

 everyone who has had experience in treating indigestion in cattle will 

 realize that he has saved the lives of many animals by its prompt appli- 

 cation. When the tympanic animal is not distressed, and the swelling 

 of the flank is not great, it is best to resort to the administration of 

 internal medicine. Two ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia should 

 be given every half hour in a quart of cold water, or half an ounce of 

 chloride of lime may be dissolved in a pint of tepid water, and the dose 

 repeated every half hour until the bloating has subsided. It is gener- 

 ally necessary to give a dose of purgative medicine after bloating has 

 subsided, as animals frequently show symptoms of constipation after 

 attacks of indigestion. When the bloating is not too great gentle walk- 

 ing exercise will facilitate the removal of the gas. 



i 



CHRONIC TYMPANITES. 



Cattle, especially those which have been kept in the stable all winter, 

 are liable to suffer from chronic tympanites. In this form the animal 

 bloats up after feeding, but seldom swells so much as to cause any 

 alarm. The chronic form of indigestion may also follow an acute attack 

 like that previously described. 



