, BLOATING IN THE OX 99 



hill yields good results in milder cases, (b) Cold water 

 irrigation to the flanks. Bloated sheep may be driven 

 through a stream of water, (c) Inducing belching by irri- 

 tating the throat with a blunt instrument inserted through 

 the mouth, the tongue being drawn forward. Less efficient 

 is the use of a bit made of twisted straw and smeared with 

 tar. (d) Passing a hollow probang is rarely of value, as it 

 soon becomes blocked with food masses. In severe dyspnea 

 it is contra-indicated. That the above cited methods may 

 be combined is obvious, (e) So-called "absorbent" drugs 

 are sometimes employed (burnt magnesia, 10 per cent.; 

 lime water, spirits of ammonia, 2 per cent., and soap 2 per 

 cent.). Turpentine in oil (gij to Oj of oil) or formalin (gss 

 to water* Oij), are commonly employed. Veratrin, creolin 

 and alcohol are sometimes given. The use of drugs in the 

 treatment of acute bloating plays a very subordinate part. 

 The effect is largely due to the belching which the act of 

 drenching induces. 



(6) Radical measures: When the life of the patient is 

 threatened by severe dyspnea or the application of the 

 palliative measures are not advisable or have proven in- 

 sufficient, puncturing the rumen with a trocar is often life 

 saving. The instrument which should be sterile is plunged 

 into the centre of the triangle forming the hollow of the left 

 flank, or, in case the landmarks are obliterated by' the 

 bloating, where the distention is greatest. If time is available, 

 shaving and disinfecting the skin at the point of operation is 

 recommended. In withdrawing the canula the trocar should 

 be first inserted and care taken that the skin is not pulled 

 loose from the underlying connective tissue, as this permits 

 air to enter and may lead to infection. In case the operation 

 must be repeated it is advisable to make a fresh wound rather 

 than use the old puncture. In thick-skinned animals an 

 incision through the skin only may be made with a sharp 

 bistoury which facilitates the insertion of the trocar. After 

 withdrawing the trocar the wound may be dressed with 

 tar or any antiseptic. After the bloating is relieved the 

 patient may be given a physic (Glauber's salts, 1 lb., oil Oj), 

 and give a restricted diet. 



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