308 PRINCIPLES OP VETERINARY SCIENCE 



aromatic spirits of ammonia with 2 ounces fiuidextract of nux 

 vomica. This mixture is given in 2-ounce doses diluted with % 

 pint of cold water every two or three hours. Another reliable 

 remedy consists of salicylic acid Y% ounce and powdered ginger 

 J£ ounce in a capsule. The animal should be kept on a re- 

 stricted ration some days after the pain has disappeared. Any 

 case of colic which does not show improvement within a reason- 

 ably short time requires the attention of a competent veteri- 

 narian to prevent complications. 



BLOATING 



Bloating is a digestive disorder in which an excessive amount 

 of gas accumulates in the paunch of cattle and sheep. 



Causes. — A sudden change in the character of the feed, such 

 as from hay to green clover or alfalfa, is the commonest cause. 

 An excessive quantity of any feed that ferments easily, such as 

 rotten roots and spoiled silage, is likely to result in the production 

 of gas in so large quantities that the animal becomes unable to 

 belch it fast enough, especially when so much food has been 

 consumed that the opening into the esophagus is partially oc- 

 cluded. This disease usually occurs when the forage is heavy 

 with dew or rain and the atmosphere very humid, as these con- 

 ditions favor fermentation. 



Symptoms. — Bloating is very easy to recognize from the sudden 

 and marked distention of the left flank. This part becomes so 

 tense from the pressure with gas that a sound similar to that 

 obtained from a drum-head is heard when it is thumped with the 

 finger. The animal ceases to feed, has difficulty in breathing, 

 becomes uneasy, moans, and gasps for breath. These symptoms 

 are due to interference with belching, the "safety valve" for 

 the liberation of gas from the paunch. Death from suffocation 

 or rupture of the stomach may occur unless prompt relief is 

 given. It is evident that most of these symptoms are due to 

 pressure on the lungs, large blood-vessels, and soft organs, and 

 to the resorption of the gas. 



Treatment. — In severe cases an artificial opening through 

 the paunch wall must be provided for the escape of the gas. A 

 trocar and canula (Fig. 79) is plunged into the most prominent 

 portion of the left flank. The point of the instrument should 



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