The operation of tapping has been performed, but with very little success; for, unless the function of the skin be restored, the water will again accumulate. If, however, the disease shall be treated according to the principles here laid down, there is no good reason why the operation should not prove successful. It may be performed for dropsy of the belly in the following manner: Take a common trocar and canula, and after pinching upwards a fold of the skin, about three inches from the line, (linea alba,) or centre of the belly, and about seven from the udder, push the trocar through the skin, muscles, &c., into the abdominal cavity; withdraw the trocar, and the water will flow. The operation is usually performed on the right side, taking care, however, not to wound the milk vein, or artery.
HOOVE, OR "BLASTING."
When cattle or sheep are first turned into luxuriant pasture, after being poorly fed, or laboring under any derangement of the digestive organs, they are apt to be hoven, blown, or blasted.
Treatment.—Should the symptoms be very alarming, a flexible tube may be passed down the gullet. This will generally allow a portion of gas to escape, and thus afford temporary relief, until more efficient means are resorted to. These consist in arousing the digestive organs to action, by the following stimulant and carminative drink:—
| Cardamom seeds, | 1 ounce. |
| Fennel seeds, | 1 ounce. |
| Powdered charcoal, | 1 table-spoonful. |
| Boiling water, | 2 quarts. |
Let the mixture stand until sufficiently cool; then strain, and administer in pint doses, every ten minutes.
The following clyster should be given:—
| Powdered lobelia, | 2 ounces. |
| Powdered charcoal, | 6 ounces. |
| Common salt, | 1 table-spoonful. |
| Boiling water, | 2 quarts. |
When cool, strain, and inject.