24 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



the esophagus, which permits the exit of gas and at the same time 

 peristalsis is stimuhited reflexly. 



In urgent cases the gas must be allowed to escape without delay, 

 and this is best accomplished by the use of the trocar. The trocar 

 is a sharp-pointed instrument incased in a cannula or sheath, which 

 leaves the sharp point of the trocar free. (See PI. Ill, figs. 5«. and 

 5h.) In selecting the point for using the trocar a spot on the left 

 side equally distant from the last rib, the hip bone, and the trans- 

 verse processes of the lumbar vertebrce must be chosen. Here an 

 incision about three- fourths of an inch long should be made with a 

 knife through the skin, and then the sharp point of the trocar, being 

 directed doAvnward, inward, and slightly forward, is thrust into the 

 paunch. (PI. I.) The cannula or sheath of the trocar should be 

 left in the paunch so long as any gas continues to issue from it. If 

 the cannula 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 cannula 

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

 removed. When gas issues from it in considerable quantities the 

 sound accompanjdng its escape renders the exact condition obvious. 

 It is occasionally necessary to keep the cannula in the stomach for 

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

 be passed round the neck of the cannula immediately below the pro- 

 jecting rim and then be passed romid the animal's body and tied 

 in a secure knot, and a careful attendant must remain with the cow 

 during the entire period that the instrument is in place. The rim 

 surrounding the mouth of the cannula should be in contact ^vith the 

 skin. Whenever the person in charge of the cow is convinced that 

 gas has ceased to issue from the cannula the instrument should be 

 removed. 



The trocar is to be used only in extreme or urgent cases, though 

 everyone who has had experience in treating indigestion in cattle 

 realizes that he has saved the lives of many animals by its prompt 

 application. 



When the tympanitic animal is not distressed an<l the swelling 

 of the flank is not great, or when the most distressing condition has 

 been removed by the use of the trocar, it is best to use 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 chlorid of lime may be dissolved in a pint of tepid water and 

 the dose repeated every half hour until the bloating has subsided; 

 or 1 ounce of creolin in 2 quarts of tepid water may be given at one 

 dose or carefully injected through the cannula directly into the 

 paunch to stop fermentation and the consequent formation of gas. 

 It is generally necessary to give a moderate dose of purgative medi- 



