GASTRIC TYMPANY 65 



under suitable treatment, will begin to mend, or the fatal 

 and unequivocal signs of twist be in evidence. 



Again, it is always policy, when dealing with a case of 

 this description, to point out the probability of rupture 

 occurring. The veterinarian may, with all justice, inform 

 his cHent that vomiting is not necessarily a sign that such 

 has already taken place. It is impossible to diagnose 

 this lesion until its fatal signs are present (see 

 Chapter VIII. ), and the veterinary surgeon may con- 

 fidently proceed to treat his case, promising to advise 

 his client immediately symptoms of an alarming nature 

 present themselves. 



Treatment. — This offers to the veterinarian one or two 

 interesting little problems. Primarily, the lines upon 

 which he may start and upon which his treatment must 

 be based are simpl-e indeed. They may be succinctly 

 summed up in these two immediate instructions: (i) Rid 

 the stomach of gas already present. (2) Prevent the 

 formation of any more. 



Before attempting to dispose of the gases, it is neces- 

 sary to know their composition. Recent experiments 

 have shown that those which bulk most largely in the dis- 

 tended stomach are carbonic acid, carburetted hydrogen, 

 sulphuretted hydrogen, and nitrogen, the nitrogen form- 

 ing only a small proportion. As carburetted hydrogen 

 cannot conveniently be absorbed by any vehicle which 

 may be administered per orem, our remedial agents 

 must be mainly directed against carbonic acid and 

 sulphuretted hydrogen. We are again compelled to 

 fall back upon what may be regarded as the veterinary 

 surgeon's sheet-anchor in the treatment of the equine 

 colics — ammonia. In this case, however, the success of 

 the treatment will entirely depend upon what form of 

 ammonia is used, 



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