778 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



sary, can be given through the mouth. If such a dose is needed 

 the following may be given : — 



Epsom salts U lb - 



Gentian (powdered) ' * oz - 



Ginger. .' : \ °»- 



Warm water a I*- 



Cleanse the wound carefully with tepid water. Close the inci- 

 sion in the rumen, turning in the edges, with a continuous suture 

 (see Wounds, Fig. 1141), with fine, strong twine or' thread, or carbol- 

 ized catgut, so that when it sloughs off it will drop within the 

 stomach. The muscular wound may be closed up by the " inter- 

 rupted suture," and that in the skin by the quilled suture or metallic 

 wire. When twine or wire is used the free ends must be brought out 

 inside. A pitch plaster can be applied, and the wound will gener- 

 ally heal rapidly, seldom requiring more than ordinary care. The 

 animal should be fed sparingly on a nutritious, easily digested diet, 

 until the Wound ip healed. '<■ 



OBSTRUCTION OF THE GIJIXET - CHOKING. 



The lodgment of a piece of potato, turnip, or other vegetahle, 

 in the pharynx, or in some portion of the gullet, is a frequent cause 

 of tympanitis. A piece of cork, leather, or wood, may also find 

 lodgment there. <" 



The symptoms of this difficulty are uneasiness with labored 

 breathing, continued motion of the jaws, and abundant discharge of 

 saliva. No rumination occurs, and when the animal drinks, the fluid 

 returns through the nostrils. Gas is rapidly generated within the 

 rumen, and if not relieved the animal may suffocate, or rupture of 

 the stomach may follow. 



If the foreign substance rests within the pharynx, or sac, at the 

 juncture of the gullet and mouth, it may be felt by an external 

 examination, or by passing the hand through the mouth to the back 

 of the throat. If it is in the thicker portion of the neck, > a well- 

 marked swelling may be observed in the course of the tube, and 

 sometimes fluids pass readily. When the obstruction is in the part 

 of the gullet from the bottom of the neck to the stomach, it cannot 

 be detected by examination 1 ; one of the sighs of this form is an 

 apparent freedom in drinking, but when the gullet is filled, a spas- 

 modic action ejects the whole through the mouth, as in vomiting. 

 (See Fig. 1028.) 



Treatment. — When the obstruction is in the pharynx, the ball- 

 ing-iron should be placed in the mouth, the hand passed through 

 to the pharynx, and an effort made to withdraw it. This failing, 

 the following should be given, to relax and lubricate the parts : — 



