260 The Diseases of Animals 
warm water may be given as a drench, and repeated 
in thirty minutes, if necessary. The bowels should be 
emptied by giving an enema,—an injection of warm 
slightly soapy water. After the acute symptoms have 
subsided, a ball of five to eight drams of aloes should 
be given, to move the bowels. In most cases, stomach 
staggers can be prevented by careful feeding and proper 
exercise. 
IMPACTION OF THE RUMEN 
This trouble occurs in cattle, and is due to the filling 
up of the paunch with indigestible material, such as 
weeds, dead grass, pieces of cloth or other foreign 
materials. It is probable that in many cases there is 
indigestion, associated with a depraved appetite, pre- 
ceding the impaction. 
The animal does not eat, but stands around with 
the back slightly arched, the breathing slightly in- 
creased in frequency, and perhaps a slight grunt with 
each respiration; later, there may be some bloating. 
If the cow lies down, it is usually on the right side. 
The milk secretion is lessened and the cow grinds her 
teeth. A heavy, hard mass can be felt low down on 
the left side. 
Give a mild, stimulating purgative, of three-fourths 
of a pound of Epsom salts and two ounces of ginger 
dissolved in four quarts of warm water, administered 
as adrench. Plenty of water should be given to drink 
and enemas of warm water to move the bowels. If 
the animal will take food, give gruels and soft mashes. 
