324 
PUNCTURE OF THE RUMEN. 
The seat of operation is the centre of the left flank, which becomes 
very prominent in the tympanitic animal. In fixing the spot, one 
imagines a line drawn forwards through the outer angle of the ilium 
parallel with the vertebrae. In cattle the trochar is inserted on this line 
about 4 to 6 inches, and in sheep about 2 to 2J inches, in front of the 
do r- jq l 
\ 
l 1 ig. 148. Vertical section of the ox’s body, showing relative position of rumen and 
other organs. 
a, Lumbar muscles ; b, abdominal muscles ; c, glands ; e, portion of the pancreas. 
(After Ellenberger and Baum.) 
outer angle of the ilium. As delay is often dangerous, there may be no 
time for cleansing the point of operation, otherwise the usual precautions 
are taken. Where the skin is thick, it is best to make the primary 
incision with a bistoury ; older practitioners were in the habit of using 
the fleam for this purpose. The trochar is now moistened and thrust 
through the walls of the abdomen and rumen, being directed slightly 
towards the right. Considerable force is required, and a slight rotary 
