MINOR SURGICAL OPERATIONS 297 



able to wash the cavity with plain water or water which con- 

 tains a teaspoonful of salt to the quart. 



Most of the treatment commonly given such cases by stock- 

 men is harmful rather than useful. 



In some cases antiseptic cleansing is necessary; usually, how- 

 ever, little is needed but simple cleanliness and protection from 

 flies. 



Tapping for Bloat 



Tapping for bloat is not difficult. It is reasonably safe for 

 cattle and often very urgently necessary for sheep. Tapping a 

 bloated horse is a different matter, however, and must be done 

 by a qualified veterinarian. 



The purpose of this operation is to quickly let out gas which 

 has accumulated to a dangerous extent in the first stomach. 



Cattle and sheep bloat chiefly in the rumen or paunch. This 

 is so large when an animal is bloated that there is no danger of 

 injuring the paunch except by the small puncture made by the 

 trocar. See Figure 78. 



Procedure. — Disinfect the skin, e.g., by tincture of iodin, in 

 the left flank rather high and well forward. See Figure 77. 

 If the skin is too thick and tough for the trocar point, make 

 a small incision in the skin only, and then thrust in the trocar 

 and cannula. Gas will usually escape rapidly and the respiration 

 is relieved. If the tube becomes obstructed by stomach contents, 

 insert the trocar or a clean stick. The tube (cannula) may be 

 left in as long as usually needed. 



Subsequent treatment of the small wound is unnecessary, ex- 

 cept another local treatment by iodin when the cannula is 

 withdrawn. 



Abscesses occasionally follow, but as a rule are easily treated 

 and are not serious. 



Removing Warts 



The removal of warts in ordinary cases is a simple operation 

 and usually successful when well done. There are various 

 methods. 



By incision, the wart may be removed with a narrow ring of 

 normal skin. A sharp pair of curved surgical shears is very 

 convenient for this and many other surgical operations. 



After hemorrhage is checked, apply caustic, e.g., nitrate of 



