774 



DISEASES OF CATTLE, 



stomach will prevent the escape of gas 

 through the probang. It then becomes 

 necessary to puncture the rumen with the 

 trocar (Fig. 1021), a larger instrument than 

 that used for tapping the chest, beipg about 

 eight inches long and three fourths of an 

 inch in diameter. 



The point at which the trocar should be. 

 plunged is midway between the last rib and 

 haunch bone, about a hand's breadth below 

 the transverse-lumbar processes. (Fig, 1022.) 



\ Fig. 1023 shows the rumen in position. The animal is secured 

 by the horns, and the operator, standing on the left side, in advance 

 of" the hind leg, to avoid being kicked, plunges the instrument 

 through the tissues. The trocar is at once withdrawn, and the 



Fig. 1020.— Iron Gag, or 

 Balling-iron. 



Fig. 1021. — Trocar for Puncturing the Stomach. 



canula left to allow the gas to escape. A string can be attached to 



the canula, so that it may be left in position until the formation of 



gas has ceased. If the tube becomes clogged, it may be cleared by 



means of a probe or wire. From the great size of the distended 



rumen, it is comparatively easy , to select the proper point for 



punctures. As the rumen is not highly organized, no danger need 



be apprehended from inflammation. 



IMPACTED mJMEW, 

 / " OR MAW -BOUND. 



This arises from the 

 introduction of solid 

 food in such an amount 

 as to paralyze the 

 rumen by overdisten- 

 tion. 



Some foods, as grain, 

 chaff, and potatoes, 

 are especially liable to 

 cause this disorder, 

 but it may arise from 

 an animal's gorging 

 itself with any food of 



Fie. I022.-Method of Puncturing the Ox or Cow which {i is particularly 



when Bloated. fond. 



