BLOATING IN THE OX 135 



of value, as it soon becomes blocked with food masses. In 

 severe dyspnea it is contra-indicated. That the above 

 cited methods may be combined is obvious, (e) So-called 

 "absorbent" drugs are sometimes employed (burnt mag- 

 nesia, 10 per cent.; lime-water, spirits of ammonia, 2 per 

 cent., and soap 2 per cent.). Turpentine in oil (Bij to Oj of 

 oil), or formalin (§ss to water Oij), is commonly employed. 

 Veratrin, creoHn and alcohol are sometimes given. The use 

 of drugs in the treatment of acute bloating plays a very 

 subordinate part. The effect is largely due to the belching 

 which the act of drenching induces. 



2. Radical measures: When the life of the patient is 

 threatened by severe dyspnea or the apphcation of the 

 palliative measures are not advisable or have proved in- 

 suflScient, puncturing the rumen with a trocar is often life 

 saving. The instrument, which should be sterile, is plunged 

 into the center of the triangle forming the hollow of the 

 lef* fl'ank, or, in case the landmarks are obliterated by the 

 bloating, where the distention is greatest. If time is avail- 

 a;ble, shaving and disinfecting the skin at the point of 

 operation are recommended. In withdrawing the cannula 

 the trocar should be first inserted and care taken that the 

 skin is not pulled loose from the underlying connective 

 tissue as this permits air to enter and may lead to infection. 

 In case the operation must be repeated it is advisable to 

 make a fresh wound rather than use the old punc+ure. 

 In thick-skinned animals an incision through the skin only 

 may be made with a sharp bistoury which facilitates the 

 insertion of the trocar. After withdrawing the trocar the 

 wound may be dressed with tar or any antiseptic. After 

 the bloating is relieved the patient may be given a physic 

 (Glauber salts, 1 lb., linseed oil Oj), and placed on restricted 

 diet. 



Prophylaxis. — It is recommendable to feed cattle about 

 to be placed on clover or alfalfa pastures a quantity of dry 

 hay before being turned out. Cattle grazing in fields 

 covered with rich pasture or sheep on stubble fields should 

 be carefully watched bj attendants. Farmers should keep 

 trocars handy, as in acute primary bloat a veterinarian 

 cannot always be called early enough to prevent death. 



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