DISEASES OF CATTLE 353 



may escape. This should be left in place as long as the gas is 

 generating. In the absence of a trocar, a sharp knife may be 

 thrust through to let the gas escape. Do not let the animal die 

 of bloating. Give internally two ounces of aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia in a quart of cold water. Repeat every half hour. 

 Turpentine in two-ounce doses is also good, but it must be well 

 diluted with milk to prevent injuring the animal. After bloat- 

 ing has subsided give physic; one pound of Glauber's salt is 

 good. 



Since there is danger of bloating in turning cattle to luxuriant 

 pasture, especially if wet with dew, they should always be well 

 fed and turned to pasture in the afternoon when the grass is dry. 

 Some advise taking them up the first night, feeding them well 

 the next morning, and not turning in pasture again till after- 

 noon. A little dry hay put in the pasture is excellent to prevent 

 bloating, as the cattle seem to crave it. 



IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN 



This difficulty often occurs among cattle and is due to the fill- 

 ing of the third stomach with indigestible material, such as frozen 

 grass, weeds, or foreign materials. The animal refuses to eat, 

 stands with back slightly arched, breathes rapidly, and may 

 bloat, though not always. Often the mass of undigested food 

 can be felt on the left side. The animal on lying down usually 

 lies on the right side. 



For treatment give a mild purgative, three-fourths to one 

 pound of Epsom salts and two ounces of ginger dissolved in 

 warm water, and administer in the form of a drench. Feed gruels 

 and bran mashes if the animal will eat, and allow plenty of 

 water. To aid the bowels in moving one may give an injection 

 of warm water. 



Cattle off feed. — Often cattle are thrown "off their feed" by 

 overfeeding, by irregular feeding, or by consuming indigestible 

 things such as frozen grass, weeds, and perhaps by eating foreign 

 2a 



