LECTURE XLI. 

 HOVEN OR BLOAT. 



Definition. — A form of indigestion in cattle and sheep char- 

 acterized by an abnormal collection of gas in the first stomach or 

 paunch. 



Causes. — Sudden changes from dry food to pasture or from 

 one pasture to a better one ; or from grass to clover. Grasses or 

 clovers seem more apt to cause hoven when the clew is on, or after 

 a rain. Frosted roots and impaction from over-feeding may also 

 result in arrested digestion, and then hoven ensues. 



FIG. 62. TROCAR AND CANNULA. 

 For tapping bloated sheep and cattle. 



Why cattle and sheep are more apt to bloat when the dew is 

 on the grass, or after a rain, may perhaps be explained in this 

 way : The grass is more palatable and also heavier, the cattle 

 eat more rapidly ; more air is swallowed with the food and they 

 eat more than at other times. This larger quantity of food that 

 is so heavy, makes such a large and heavy mass in the stomach 

 that the involuntary fibres are partially paralyzed. By reason of 

 the weight and stretching, digestive processes are checked and 

 fermentation goes to excess. Gas accumulates until the stomach 

 may be greatly distended. 



Symptoms. — Extreme distension of the stomach : which is 

 most prominent on the left side, and difficulty of breathing. The 

 pulse may be nearly imperceptible. The animal moans ; may 

 ■stae-srer and fall then die in convulsions. 



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