THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 261 



probang, by whicli means any gas present may be drawn 

 off, and to a certain extent the degree of distension 

 may be determined. Cases have been cured by throwing 

 in water, whereby vomition is brought about, but this 

 is not always successful. When the distension is not 

 excessive a stimulant with a cathartic must next be ad- 

 ministered. Oil is particularly useful to lubricate the pas- 

 sages and soften the masses of food. Manipulation applied 

 externally over the food-mass is sometimes beneficial, and 

 exercise increases tone, but its influence on the rumen is 

 doubtful. These measures failing, before the animal begins 

 to sink exhausted, or the brain become congested, or 

 alvitis supervene, Ruminotomy {^' paunching'^) must be 

 performed. The animal is placed with the right side 

 against a wall, just at the end, so that the tail may be 

 held to the right. The nose is held, and pressure on the 

 left shoulder and hip prevents the patient from moving 

 too much to the left. An incision is then to be made 

 about the seat of puncture of the rumen, and carried 

 directly downwards for about six inches. This first in- 

 cision is made through the skin and outer layer of muscle ; 

 the inner layer and peritoneum must then be divided, and 

 so the rumen exposed. A slight incision having been 

 made in this above, and the edges grasped with hooks, 

 they may be either retained in firm grasp by means of the 

 hooks, being drawn through the wound in the abdominal 

 wall as the incision in the rumen is prolonged downwards, 

 or the two wounds may be stitched together temporarily. 

 In the latter case a handkerchief may be introduced 

 through the wound and spread out over the lower part, 

 on which any droppings of ingesta may fall. With 

 his hand the operator then removes the accumulated 

 mass until only a small quantity of soft material re- 

 mains in the organ. It is also advisable to ascertain 

 the state of the reticulum and omasum as much as pos- 

 sible. Some then inject a stimulant cathartic dose into 

 the organ, but this, when necessary, can be given through 

 the mouth. The wound in the rumen must then be closed 

 by carbolised catgut sutures, care being taken that the 



