At first the condition is usually local, but it may extend and assume the form of general peritonitis two or three weeks later. The symptoms are those of acute peritonitis.
Speaking generally, however, puncture of the rumen in cattle and sheep is seldom followed by any complication.
GASTROTOMY.
Gastrotomy is performed for the relief of impaction of the rumen and to remove foreign bodies, such as linen, nails, bits of leather, etc., which have been swallowed.
Fig. 302.—Gastrotomy. Pa, Skin; 1m, 2m, muscular layers; Pe, peritoneum; R, rumen, showing line of incision.
A vertical or slightly oblique incision is made in the left flank, extending from the fourth transverse process of the lumbar vertebræ towards the last rib. The operation comprises the following stages:—
Fig. 303.
First stage. Incision through the skin for a distance of from 6 to 10 inches, according to the size of the animal.