CATTLB. 303 



become so great as to prevent the animal from breathing, and in some 

 instances the case may be compUcated by rupture of the stomach. 



Treatment. In urgent cases the trocar should be used immediately, 

 for when the distention of the stomach has become extreme there is no 

 trying the remedial effect of medicine. The trocar is a sharp-pointed 

 instrument encased in a sheath, which leaves the sharp point of the tro- 

 car freer. In selecting the point for using the trocar, a spot equally dis- 

 tant from the last rib, the hip bone and the transverse processes of the 

 lumbar vertebrae must be chosen. (See Manikin of Cow). Here an 

 incision about three-quarters of an inch long should be made through 

 the skin, and then the sharp point of the trocar being directed down- 

 ward, inward, and slightly forward, is thrust into the paunch. The 

 sheath of the tocar should be left in the paunch as long as any gas con- 

 tinues to issue from it. If the canula or sheath of the tocar is removed 

 while gas is still forming in the paunch and the left flank becomes con- 

 siderably swollen it may be necessary to insert it again. Observe the 

 canula closely, and if gas is found to be issuing from it, do not remove 

 it. In order to be certain on this point, place the palm of the hand 

 about two inches above the mouth of the canula, when, if the gas is 

 issuing, the current of gas can be felt coming against the skin. It is 

 occasionally necessary to keep the canula in the stomach for several 

 hours. When this is necessary a piece of stout cord should be passed 

 round the neck of the canula immediately below the projecting rim, and 

 then be passed round the animal's body and tied in a secure knot. The 

 rim surrounding the mouth of the canula should be in contact with the 

 skin. When the canula is secured as described it may remain in the 

 stomach over night. It is sometimes necessary to keep it in that posi- 

 tion for two days. But whenever the person in charge of the cow is 

 satisfied that gas has ceased to issue from the canula it should be 

 removed. 



The canula is only to be employed in extreme or urgent cases, though 

 everyone who has had experience in treating indigestion in cattle will 

 realize that he has saved the lives of many animals by its prompt appli- 

 cation. When the tympanic animal is not distressed, and the swelling 

 of the flank is not great, it is best to resort to the administration of in- 

 ternal medicine. Two ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia should be 

 given every half hour in a quart of cold water, or half an ounce of 

 chloride of lime may be dissolved in a pint of tepid water, and the dose 

 repeated every half-hour until the bloating has subsided. It is generally 



