172 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 



Crcatmcnt. 



This is entirely operative, and for the speedy relief of the 

 animal a probang is needed. This is a thin flexible tube, with a 

 small knob or protuberance on the end which is inserted in the 

 mouth. 



To operate, set the sheep on its rump, the shoulders rest- 

 ing between the knees of an assistant, who also takes hold of 

 the fore-feet to keep the animal steady; then by the use of a gag 

 or the hand of the operator the sheep's mouth is kept open, and 

 the probang, smeared with lard or vaseline, is gently passed 

 over the back of the tongue and down the gullet. When 

 the obstruction is reached only gentle pressure must be exerted, 

 as violent efforts are liable to rupture or lacerate the coats of the 

 oesophagus, in which case the animal would most likely have to 

 be destroyed. When the obstruction is moved by the probang 

 and passes into the rumen, relief is instantaneous. 



Where bloating is considerable, the rumen should be punc- 

 tured prior to passing probang, with an instrument termed a tro- 

 car — this is a very necessary article for all stock-owners to 

 possess; its use permits the escape of gases arising from fermenta- 

 tion in the stomach or bowels, and secures time for the adminis- 

 tration and action of medicinal agents. 



The trocar is a pointed stillet, about 1-16 of an inch in 

 diameter and five inches in length, which fits in a closely fitting 

 tube. The part to be operated on is selected and the instrument 

 inserted. The stillet is withdrawn, leaving the tube in position, 

 through which the escape of gases is perfected- In bloat from 

 choke in both oxen and sheep the place to be operated on is the 

 left flank, the operator selecting the location by careful examina- 

 tion, taking the soft and most bulging point for a guide, so as 

 not to strike the last ribs, or transverse processes of the lumbar 

 vertebrae with the instrument. Should the probang not be suc- 

 cessful in removing the obstruction, the animal, unless very vain- 



