HOVEN, OR BLOAT (ACUTE TYMPANITES) 231 



Symptoms. — There is extreme distention of the stomach, most 

 prominent on the left side with consequent difficulty in breath- 

 ing. The pulse may be nearly imperceptible. The animal 

 moans, may stagger and fall, then die in convulsions. 



Treatment.— If breathing is difficult, do not wait for the ef- 

 fect of medicines; sheep require very prompt treatment to save 

 them. Tap with trocar and cannula, high in the left flank and 

 well forward. (See Pig. 77.) The tube (cannula) may be left 

 in the flank for some time if gas continues to accumulate. 



Then give the following as one dose in one pint of sirup: — 



(A) Aromatic spirits of ammonia 2 oz. 



Turpentine 2 oz. 



This is a suitable dose for a thousand pounds live weight. 

 Repeat this in half an hoiir if necessary or give one double dose ; 

 or give (B) 4 oz. hyposulphite of soda in 6 ounces water 

 every half hour until gas ceases to accumulate or until a limit 



Fig. 78. — Trocar and Cannula. 

 For tapping bloated sheep and cattle. 



of six doses have been given. A third method consists of alter- 

 nating the two doses (A and B) just described at half hour 

 intervals. 



Half an ounce of formalin in a quart of water is a very effec- 

 tive remedy. For mild cases, a large hay rope placed in the 

 mouth and tied around the head is useful. Vigorous massage 

 of the belly by two men with a limber pole is useful in such 

 cases. Both of the latter methods are more effective when sheep 

 are made to stand high in front, or on their hind legs or when 

 cattle are made to stand with the front parts high as possible. 



Do not exercise a badly bloated cow or sheep. To do so is 

 dangerous, because the breathing is interfered with by the pres- 

 sure of the stomach against the diaphragm. When the acute 

 symptoms have subsided give the following for physic: 



