66 THE COW IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



of the left flank and by the formation of gas. 

 It is brought about by a wide variety of con- 

 ditions but chiefly by eating spoiled feed, or 

 feed that is wet with dew or rain, or it may 

 result from eating too fast which produces in- 

 digestion with a rapid fermentation and for- 

 mation of gas. It may also result from choke 

 due to the closing of the gullet which prevents 

 the belching of the gas, and consequently the 

 retention of gas causes the bloating. It may 

 also result from the eating of frozen roots or 

 grass, or vegetables such as turnips, cabbage 

 and the like. It is caused most often from eat- 

 ing clover which is wet with dew or rain and 

 in many cases is fatal before the animal is 

 found. Most digestive disturbances are ac- 

 companied by bloating. 



The swelling in the left flank becomes so 

 great that it sometimes extends above the level 

 of the back. Breathing becomes fast and dif- 

 ficult. The eyes have an anxious and painful 

 expression. As bloating continues the animal 

 shows symptoms of great pain and may reel 

 and stagger when it walks. Death is caused 

 from the pressing forward of the diaphragm 

 upon the lungs which results in asphyxiation. 



If the animal is in immedate danger it should 

 be tapped immediately. If it is not possible to 

 procure immediately a trocar, which is made 

 especially for tapping, use a sharp butcher or 

 pocket knife. Do not attempt to procure anti- 

 septics and sterilize the spot where the incision 



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