Impaction of the Omasum Fardel Bound—Dry Murrain
The first three stomachs of ruminants do not secrete fluids and are dependent for their action on saliva and swallowed liquids. Hence if an animal has not had sufficient water or a fever has dried up the saliva, the food may become dry and caked in the folds of the third stomach.
Symptoms.—There is loss of cud and appetite, the right flank is full and hard on pressure. In slight cases the animal may remain standing, but usually is lying on the left side with nose against the right flank. There is constipation alternating with diarrhea. The legs and horns are cold and the coat “hide bound.” These are the usual symptoms, but sometimes the animal becomes frantic, and rising rushes blindly about often doing itself considerable damage.
Treatment.—Give A.A., and J.K., alternately every two hours. In addition to this give a plentiful supply of liquids, such as linseed tea, 2 to 3 buckets daily; also enemas of warm water with a little salt are often helpful. During convalescence the diet should consist of sloppy food with plenty of water and salt.
Irregular Teeth
May be looked for if an animal presents the following symptoms: The beast becoming thinner gradually, and eating less food than usual; slaver dribbling from the mouth along with half-chewed food, especially while the cow is cudding; she is “hoven” or bloated at different times; a bad smell comes from the mouth, arising from ulceration of the side of the cheek, caused by irregular teeth.
Treatment.—The mouth must be carefully examined, and all long or irregular teeth must be shortened and smoothed by means of the tooth-rasp.
Gastritis—Gast ro-Enteritis—Inflammation of the Stomach
Definition.—Gastritis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the abomasum, extending, generally, into the duodenum (gastro-enteritis). It is not of unfrequent occurrence, and usually accompanies enteritis. (See next section). It is a very dangerous disease, and frequently terminates fatally.
Causes.—They are the same as those of enteritis—improper food, musty hay, acrid plants, impure water, etc.