General [General] This disease arises when the animal is allowed to eat too much green food that is fresh to it, such as turnips or young clover. When too large a quantity of such food is taken at once, the stomach is not able t o act upon it in the usual manner, but it remains there, and a gas is generated which distends the paunch, often to such a degree that if struck it sounds like a drum; the breathing is short and impeded, and if relief is not obtained, the animal soon dies.
REMEDIES: Arsenicum, Colchicum autumnale and Nux vomica. Colchicum [Colch] Commence with Colchicum, give a dose every ten or fifteen minutes; if no relief is obtained from three or four doses, give Arsenicum alternately with Colchicum as above mentioned; in the majority of cases these two medicines are sufficient, except when the paunch is so enormously distended that death is apprehended; in such cases an opening must be made, and the gas allowed to escape. If after the symptoms are abated, rumination is not restored, give Nux vomica. When an opening has been made in the paunch, it is necessary to give a dose of Arnica, and apply some Arnica Lotion externally.