BLADDER, STONE IN.
—See [Concretions or Calculi in Urinary Organs].
BLIND STAGGERS.
—See [Staggers].
BLOATING IN CATTLE.
—This disease, sometimes called hoven, is characterized by the distention of the paunch or rumen, and is due to the accumulation of gas. It most frequently occurs when cattle or sheep are pastured on clover or alfalfa, especially if it is moist just after a rain, or when dew is on the ground, and when not accustomed to fresh green food. I have known of many cases where cattle have bloated from eating alfalfa hay during the winter season.
There is no mistaking the disease. The animal shows pain, goes off to itself, and breathes with difficulty. Colic is often associated with bloating. The most characteristic symptom, however, is the excessive swelling due to the gas. The bloating is noticed even over the back of the animal, the gas continues to form, and, unless relief is secured, the animal will choke and die as the result. Or some suppression of the vital processes will occur, even rupturing, with the same fatal ending.
WHERE TO TAP IN BLOATING
Insert the trocar and canula, or if these are not available a knife may be used. Make the puncture downward and forward and plunge the instrument into the rumen.