236 THE OX AND THE DAIRY. 



causes viz. from a puncture of the spleen or kidney, or from 

 the escape of the contents of the stomach into the abdomen, 

 producing peritoneal inflammation. The spleen and kidney 

 may be avoided if the following rule be adhered to : Let a line 

 be drawn close along the spinal column from the haunch bone 

 to the last rib ; from the ends of this line let two others of the 

 same length be drawn obliquely down the flank, the whole 

 forming an equilateral triangle ; the lower apex of this tri- 

 angle is the most suitable spot for the incision. 



Though sometimes successful, this is a rude operation ; as 

 the stomach on the escape of the gas sinks, it too often hap- 

 pens that both fluid and solid matters are discharged through 

 the incision into the cavity of the abdomen, so that, although 

 the animal is relieved for the time, it ultimately sickens and 

 dies. It is, in fact, only strong necessity that can justify the 

 use of the knife ; the proper instrument for performing this 

 operation is a trochar, similar to that used by surgeons for 

 tapping the human subject in cases of dropsy. It consists of 

 a steel stylet, terminating in three sharp-edged facets converg- 

 ing to a fine point. It has a stout handle, and is sheathed in 

 a silver canula, or closely fitting tube, from the lower end of 

 which the point of the instrument emerges, while a rim or 

 guard around its base prevents its slipping into the abdomen. 

 When the instrument is plunged in, the steel stylet is with- 

 drawn, and the canula (four inches long) is left in the wound, 

 and secured there as long as may be necessary; it forms a 

 continuous tube from the stomach to the outer surface of the 

 flank, and is long enough to allow of the sinking of the rumen, 

 without danger of the escape of its contents into the abdomi 

 nal cavity. When all danger is over, the canula may be re- 

 moved, and the wound closed by firm adhesive plaster. Car- 

 minative aperients, as salts, ginger, and caraway powder, may 

 be given in order to clear the bowels, and diminish the chance 

 of inflammation. Mashes may then be allowed, but the animal 

 must be restricted for some time in its food. 



In some districts it is the practice, we believe, in cases of 

 hoove, to throw pailfuls of cold water over the animal ; the 

 object is to produce sudden shocks, during which the pillars 

 of the oesophagean canal sometimes yield, and allow the gas 

 to escape ; occasionally, however, the stomach gives way in- 

 stead of these muscular pillars, and the beast is lost. Sucking 

 calves occasionally become hooven from some accidental cause ; 

 they are apt to suck various objects, even each other's ears. 



