260 BOVINE PATHOLOGY. 



to be accomplished several times, and early administra- 

 tions of a cathartic dose will facilitate perfect recovery. 

 In chronic cases, small doses of nux vomica have been 

 recommended, as especially valuable where the disorder 

 depends on defective nervous energy. In other instances, 

 iron or vegetable general tonics are required, but the most 

 important indication is to regulate the diet as a preven- 

 tive means both for animals which have suffered from this 

 disorder and those which have not. It is very liable to recur. 



Impaction op the Eumen — distension of the rumen with 

 solid matters — jplenalvia — " grain-sick " — " maw-hound '* 

 — a pathological condition similar to that last noticed, but 

 differing in the urgency of its symptoms, and in its method 

 of treatment, depends upon the introduction of solid 

 matters in such amount as to paralyse the organ by over- 

 distension. Some foods seem more liable to produce this 

 disorder than others, as grain food, chaff, potatoes ; but 

 anything particularly palatable to the animals may be 

 thus taken in excess if placed too freely before a beast. 



Symptoms. — As in tympany, there is swelling on the 

 left side of the abdomen. The animal is dull and suffers 

 pain, the bowels are confined, and the pulse small and 

 quick; but these symptoms are less urgent, appear more 

 gradually, and the abdominal swelling is not resonant 

 on percussion, and it pits on pressure, and when the 

 animal lies down it does so on the right side. Also eruc- 

 tations do not occur. The symptoms, later on, resemble 

 those of hoven, which sets in as a complication ; then the 

 respiration becomes affected; there is a moan on expira- 

 tion, grinding of the teeth, persistent standing, with muzzle 

 protruded and arched back ; or Alvitis, inflammation of the 

 rumen, may set in when the general febrile symptoms for 

 the first time manifest themselves, in addition to those 

 already present ; also the animal will manifest pain when 

 pressure is made on the left side. 



Treatment must be directed to the removal of some of 

 the impacted food-mass, and also to restoration of tone to 

 the over-distended walls of the viscus. To increase our 

 knowledge of the conditions in the case we must pass the 



