584 
RUPTURE OE THE RUMEN OF A STEER FROM 
ACCIDENT. 
Ry T. J. Poulton, Veterinary Student. 
On the 16th of July, 1863, my attention was directed to a 
young steer, the property of a small farmer living in my 
neighbourhood. The owner stated that for the last day or 
two the animal had appeared dull, was off his feed, and was 
evidently becoming more and more ill. 
About half an hour subsequently, on my visiting the 
animal, and going into the close where he was placed, the 
first thing that I noticed was the pendent state of the head. 
His back also was arched, and he had a great reluctance to 
move, and, when made to do so, a peculiar hitching of the 
left hind leg took place. On making a closer view of the 
animal, I found a blanched state of the visible mucous mem¬ 
branes ; pulse scarcely perceptible ; muzzle dry ; extremities 
cold; coat staring; skin sticking to the ribs, with here and 
there patches of sweat over the body. He refused all food, 
and the condition of the anus and hinder parts showed that 
the faeces had not been recently passed. On my remarking 
on this, the owner informed me that for the last two or three 
days he had not observed the animal to void any feculent 
matter. 
A neighbouring gentleman, who came into the close at 
this time, informed me that three days ago the horse which 
was grazing with the steer kicked it on the left side—to use 
his own expression, “ up in the air. 5 '’ From this it seemed 
probable that the kick had caused the incapability of the 
animal to use the left hind limb in a natural manner. On 
manipulation, however, he evinced no pain, nor was there 
any perceptible indication of external injury. On examining 
the rectum with the hand I drew from it a few hardened 
faeces covered with frothy mucus. 
My diagnosis of the case was that a rupture of some 
of the abdominal viscera existed, and my prognosis was 
necessarily unfavorable. The owner, however, was very de¬ 
sirous of my doing something, and, as such, I gave a slight 
aperient combined with a diffusible stimulant. I promised 
also to call and see the animal again in the evening. The 
strictest quietude was enjoined, and I had the animal placed 
under the most favorable circumstances for carrying out this 
object. I likewise desired that all food should be withheld. 
