DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS, 



773 



Fig. 1017.— Mode of Using Probang and Gag. 



For this purpose, the probang (Fig. 1016) may be used. 

 This is a hollow tube, six feet in length, usually composed 

 of a spiral coil of wire covered with leather, and furnished 

 with a metallic bulb at one end, while the other end is cup- 

 shaped. 



As the animal can easily pass the probang between 

 the molar teeth, and so hinder its passage into the rumen, 

 it is necessary to use a gaej or balling-iron to prevent this. 



Fig. 1018 represents a wooden gag devised ljy Prof. Ar- 



matage. If this is not at hand, the iron gag, or balling-iron 



(Fig. 1020), can be used, but it must be held in position by 



an assistant. 



The operator, standing 



in front, as shown in Fig. 



1017, passes the probang 



through the gag, and along 



I 



Fig. 1018. 



Wooden Gags. 



Fig. 1019 



the central line of the mouth. When it has passed the 

 throat and entered the gullet, which can be ascertained 

 by an external examination, it must be gently pushed on 

 into the stomach. A fetid gas will then escape through the 

 instrument, and the distended stomach will re- jp, s j 016 

 sume its natural size. Sometimes the food in the Probang. 



i 



