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 the Cornell University Library. 
 
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WORKS ON RURAL AFFAIRS. 
 
 HISTORY OF POLLED ABERDEEN OR ANGUS 
 CATTLE. Giving an Account of the Origin, Improvement, 
 and Characteristics of the Breed. By JAMES MAC- 
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 THE FORESTER : A Practical Treatise on the Plant- 
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THE 
 
 STOCK-OWNEBS' GUIDE 
 
THE 
 
 STOCK-OWNERS' GUIDE 
 
 A HANDY MEDICAL TREATISE FOR EVERY 
 MAN WHO OWNS AN OX OR COW 
 
 BY 
 
 GEOEGE S. HEATLEY 
 
 M.R.C.V.S. - 
 
 AUTHOR OF 'THE .HORSE-OWNERS' SAFEGUARD' 
 
 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS 
 
 EDINBURGH AND LONDON 
 
 MDCCCLXXXIII 
 

DEDICATED TO 
 
 ANDREW GILLON, ESQ. OF WALLHOUSE, 
 
 ex-chairman op the 
 
 veterinary department of the 
 
 Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, 
 
 in honour of his unwearied exertions 
 
 and sympathetic zeal, 
 
 directed towards the diffusion of science, 
 
 and the alleviation of the sufferings 
 
 of the lower animals, 
 
 BY HIS 
 
 HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT SERVANT 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTRODUCTION ...... 
 
 DISEASES OF THE ACCESSORY ORGANS OF DIGESTION 
 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION 
 DISEASES AFFECTING THE CIRCULATORY ORGANS . 
 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS 
 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS . 
 DISEASES AFTER CALVING .... 
 
 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, MILK FEVER, ETC. 
 DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 
 DISEASES OF THE BONE 
 TUMOURS .... 
 
 DISEASES OF THE SKIN, ETC. . 
 DISEASES OF THE EYE, ETC. . 
 
 PAGE 
 1 
 
 49 
 
 56 
 
 83 
 
 88 
 
 92 
 
 97 
 
 105 
 
 119 
 
 128 
 
 132 
 
 147 
 
 160 
 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
JBb tbe same autbor. 
 
 7n Crown 8vo, price 5s. 
 
 THE HORSE-OWNERS' SAFEGUARD : A Handy Medical 
 Guide for evert Man who owns a Horse. 
 
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 themselves. We presume that they will agree with us that ' The Horse- 
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 . . . nearly every subject we can think of in connection with the horse 
 is simply treated." — Morning Post. 
 
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 ... In many instances the life of a valuable animal might be saved by 
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 " The book cannot fail to be useful to all who are entrusted with the 
 management of horses." — Derby Mercury. 
 
 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD &, SONS, Edinburgh and London. 
 
DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 The old adage that " a stitch in time saves nine " is 
 equally applicable to the subjects that we are about 
 to discuss. 
 
 The ox and cow are liable to many diseases from 
 which the horse claims immunity; but in the 
 former class of animals, disease, as a rule, requires 
 a much longer time to develop ; while it must be 
 remembered that from the habits of the bovine race 
 considerable difficulty is often experienced in de- 
 tecting trouble, as the manifestations or symptoms 
 of disease in them are in a great measure held in 
 abeyance for several days ; therefore the uninitiated 
 may ignore or despise a characteristic sign that 
 would at once put the cautious man on the alert. 
 Our object, then, is to convey such information as will 
 enable all who are interested to determine what is 
 wrong, and to assist in its rectification as speedily 
 as possible. "We have all an incumbent duty to 
 
2 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 perform towards the lower animals, and there is 
 none more worthy of our sympathy and help than 
 the ox and cow, whose ailments we will now con- 
 sider. 
 
 Description of Disease. 
 
 Disease may be said to consist of a deviation 
 from the healthy standard either of function or 
 of structure ( or the opposite to health), and is a 
 disturbance of function with alteration of structure 
 of the living organism. It is also modified in 
 different animals according to their organisation. 
 Tor example, in the horse we have flatulent colic 
 in the large intestines, because they contain a great 
 quantity of fermentable food. In the ox we have 
 hoven or distension of the first stomach, produced 
 by the same cause; therefore the only difference 
 betwixt hoven and flatulent colic is that they arise 
 in separate regions of the internal abdominal cavity ; 
 the causes that were in operation to produce them 
 being one and the same. But there is yet another 
 consideration which must be recognised, and that 
 is the peculiar and varied temperament of the 
 different animals that claim our attention in health 
 and disease. Again, cattle lay on fat readily, pos- 
 sess a large, sanguineous, plethoric system, and are 
 more temperate, consequently diseases in them are 
 developed less rapidly. The horse, on the other 
 hand, has a very excitable nervous system, and is 
 
DESCRIPTION OF DISEASE. 3 
 
 therefore rendered more susceptible to attack. 
 Diseases are also geographically distributed, some 
 being more prevalent in one district than in another. 
 Again, animals of the same class, colour, and con- 
 formation are more susceptible to disease. They 
 withstand disease variably ; for inflammation of the 
 bowels will destroy a horse in six hours, whereas in 
 a cow the same disease will continue for a fortnight 
 ere it produces death. This rule is indisputable in 
 many other inflammatory affections, killing the 
 horse in a few hours, whilst it takes days or weeks 
 to cause death in the bovine race. Another ques- 
 tion arises, How does disease kill or destroy life? 
 Disease kills in one of two ways, that is, either by 
 the suspension of the heart's action or by .impeding 
 respiration. This may be done suddenly or gradually, 
 but nervous influences play a conspicuous part in 
 both. Now a great many diseases consist in some 
 change, either in the blood itself or some other 
 fluid, by which the different tissues should be 
 nourished and maintained; therefore it becomes 
 imperative that we know something concerning the 
 fluids of the body. 
 
 Now the fluids which enter the blood are of two 
 kinds : first, those fluids which enter the blood for 
 its nourishment and for the purpose of renewing it, 
 the principle of which is chyle ; secondly, those fluids 
 which enter the bldod and are carried out of the 
 system, as those that proceed from the. blood have 
 
4 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 again to enter the body. Those fluids, then, are 
 divided into four classes : — 
 
 First, The excrementitious, or those that are of 
 no more use to the animal economy, such as sweat, 
 urine, &c. 
 
 Secondly, The recrementitious, or those fluids that, 
 having been separated from the blood, are again 
 returned to it, such as the pancreatic, salivary, and 
 gastric juices. 
 
 Thirdly, The intermediate, or those fluids that are 
 partly excrementitious and partly recrementitious, 
 such as bile ; and, 
 
 Fourthly, The special fluids, such as milk, &c. 
 
 These, then, are the fluids that supply the body ; 
 an over-secretion or a diminished supply of which 
 impairs, as the case may be, the functions of the 
 various organs through which they pass. 
 
 We will now concentrate our attention upon 
 the 
 
 Functional Processes of Digestion, 
 
 which are as follows : — ist, prehension, or the grasp- 
 ing of food; 2d, mastication, or the chewing of 
 food; 3d, insalivation, or the mixture of the food 
 with saliva and other secretions of the mouth; 4th, 
 deglutition, or the act by which substances are passed 
 from the mouth into the stomach; 5th, rumination, 
 a function peculiar to ruminating animals, by which 
 they chew a second time the food they have swal- 
 
FUNCTIONAL PROCESSES OF DIGESTION. 5 
 
 lowed (an analogous phenomenon is sometimes 
 observed in man) ; 6th, chylification, or the forma- 
 tion of chyle during the digestive process; 7th, 
 chymification, or the formation of chyme; 8th, 
 defecation, or the act by which the excrement is 
 expelled from the body; 9th, urination, a function 
 the result of which is the expulsion of matters, 
 principally solid but held in solution, which have 
 become unsuitable for nutrition. Now the tongue 
 of the ox must be considered the true prehensile 
 organ ; it is roUgh and studded with pcvpillce, which 
 look backwards. The upper lip is short and thick, 
 and the incisors cut the food pressed against the pad. 
 This process being finished, mastication follows. 
 The food is then passed into the stomach, which is 
 divided into four compartments, namely, the rumen, 
 paunch, or first stomach ; the reticulum, or second 
 stomach; the omasum, or third stomach; and the 
 abomasus, the lowermost or fourth stomach. The 
 rumen is the largest stomach in the abdominal 
 space ; it is situated at the left side, having on its 
 left side the spleen attached. The reticulum lies 
 in front of this organ, the omasum and abomasus 
 being on the right. 
 
 Internally the first stomach presents a rough ap- 
 pearance. The second is the smallest of the four, 
 and its internal walls have the appearance of the 
 cells of bees. The third stomach is remarkable 
 for its numerous folds internally, these resembling 
 
6 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 the leaves of a book, which originated its familiar 
 designation — the many-plies. These folds are from 
 ioo to 130 in number, and are possessed of small 
 hooks for catching the food that has escaped masti- 
 cation. The fourth' stomach is next in size to the 
 first, and possesses a villous coat internally, with 
 large longitudinal ridges, which disappear at the 
 pyloric orifice or extreme end. This orifice closes 
 the entrance into the intestinal canal. 
 
 Rumination. 
 
 It is a wonderful provision how the animal can 
 delay this process at pleasure, so completely is it 
 under the control of the will. Now the fluid that the 
 first stomach contains is not secreted in it, but 
 when an animal drinks, a portion of the water passes 
 into it for the purpose of softening the food, which 
 is again returned to the mouth for remastication. 
 Again, when an animal swallows a pellet or mass 
 of food, there is a pause, during which the lungs 
 become inflated with air, which acts on the dia- 
 phragm, or, as it is often called, the midriff. This is 
 a large muscle stretched transversely between the 
 thoracic and abdominal cavities, or, in other words, 
 the partition which separates the bowels and lungs. 
 When, therefore, the diaphragm contracts, its fibres 
 become straight, the chest is enlarged, and the 
 abdomen diminished; it then acts as an inspiratory 
 muscle. It may also, however, diminish the capa- 
 
DIGESTION. 7 
 
 city of the chest, and thus act as an expiratory muscle 
 as well. This muscle plays an important part in 
 sighing, yawning, crying, coughing, sneezing, vomit- 
 ing, hiccoughing, laughing, and in the expulsion 
 of the faeces, &c, in man. 
 
 Now rumination is always accompanied by diges- 
 tion, and is very easily disturbed ; so much so, that 
 the raising of an ox or cow will suspend it for a 
 time. Hence it will be perceived that when your 
 animals are chewing their cud, digestion is going on 
 in its own natural way ; therefore it is an error to 
 disturb the reclining animal during this process. 
 The reason I draw attention to this fact is because 
 I have seen cattle habitually roused while this act 
 was going on, more especially during the winter 
 evenings, when it is customary to inspect all the 
 stock at eight or nine o'clock, when they are often 
 made to stand up to see if they stretch themselves, 
 this being satisfactory evidence that all is well. 
 But let me also impress this upon you, that the best 
 sign you possibly can witness of good health is the 
 ox or cow in the act of chewing the cud ; therefore 
 I repeat that it is a mistake to disturb an animal 
 during this vital procesp. 
 
 Digestion. 
 
 This comprehends the entire series of changes by 
 which the curdy material is converted into blood; 
 it is a function by means of which alimentary sub- 
 
8 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 stances, when introduced into the digestive canal, 
 undergo different alterations, whose object it is to con- 
 vert them into two parts : the one a reparatory juice, 
 destined to renew the perpetual waste occurring in 
 the animal economy ; the other, after being deprived 
 of its nutritious properties, is rejected from the body. 
 While the food remains in the stomach, it is kept 
 at a temperature of ioo degrees, and subjected to a 
 slow motion by the peristaltic action of that organ. 
 It is slowly dissolved, the solution taking place at 
 its surface as it gradually rolls or is carried to the 
 entrance of the bowels. Again, while it continues 
 in the stomach, the mucous surface of that organ is 
 changed into a bright red colour, otherwise this 
 membrane is usually pale. We also find a number 
 of points on the internal surface of the stomach 
 which discharge a clear fluid. This fluid assists in 
 dissolving the food, and is called gastric juice, having 
 an acid character. We now find that the food has 
 become converted into chyme. This accumulates 
 at the extremity of the stomach, the orifice of 
 which opens and allows it to escape into the small 
 intestines, where the bile is formed. It then sepa- 
 rates into chyle, passing slowly along those channels 
 (the intestinal canals), owing to the bile adhering to 
 the walls. It is there absorbed by the lacteals, and 
 finally converted into blood. These, then, are the 
 functional processes of digestion. Let us next con- 
 sider the diseases that affect the ox and cow. 
 
DEFINITION OF DISEASE. 
 
 Definition of Disease. 
 
 Disease comprehends, first, pathogeny, the gene- 
 ration, production, and development of disease; 
 secondly, pathology, the branch of medicine whose 
 object is the knowledge of the nature and science of 
 disease. It has been defined as diseased physiology 
 and physiology of disease. It is divided into 
 general and special ; the first considers diseases in 
 common, the second the particular history of each. 
 It is again subdivided into internal or external, or 
 medical and surgical. Thirdly, pathogenetic, the ori- 
 gin of disease ; fourthly, semiology, or the symptoms 
 of disease ; fifthly, prognosis, a judgment formed by 
 which we estimate the future progress and termi- 
 nation of disease ; sixthly, diagnosis, the discrimina- 
 tion of disease by physical signs ; for example, it is 
 by the aggregate and succession of symptoms that 
 a disease is detected. Again, symptom at one time 
 was generally used in the same sense as sign ; but 
 with many, perhaps most of the present day, the 
 former signifies a functional or vital phenomenon of 
 disease, while the latter is applied to that which 
 is more directly physical; and hence the expres- 
 sions functional or vital phenomena or symptoms, 
 in contradistinction to the physical signs afforded 
 by auscultation and percussion. Seventhly, hygiene, 
 or the part of medicine whose object is the pre- 
 servation of health and the prevention of disease; 
 
10 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 eighth and lastly, therapeutics, which signifies, "I 
 wait upon, I alleviate, I attend upon the sick," or 
 that part of medicine the object of which is the 
 treatment of disease. 
 
 A disease is said to be contagious when it com- 
 municates itself to another by direct contact ; infec- 
 tious when communicated by virus or foul air; 
 contagious when it affects animals that have been 
 located in the same place ; epizootic when it attacks 
 a number of animals at the same time without 
 any apparent cause ; enzootic, peculiar to a district, 
 where it arises from a local cause, although that 
 cause may remain unknown. Sporadic supervenes 
 indifferently in every season and situation, from 
 accidental causes, and independently of any epi- 
 demic or contagious influence. Again, in cattle 
 the nervous system is not so well developed as 
 it is in the horse, consequently they are liable to 
 a low typhoid form. Again, a narrow ox is more 
 subject to disease than a well-formed one. 
 
 Proceeding now to the diseases that affect the 
 alimentary canal, we will first notice those of the 
 mouth, beginning with 
 
 Glossitis, or Inflammation of the Tongue. 
 
 The causes that come into operation to produce 
 this disease are often very obscure. It is frequently 
 due to the animal picking up poisonous herbs, or by 
 
GANGRENE. 1 1 
 
 the incautious administration of medicines, such as 
 ammonia or turpentine. The usual symptoms are 
 increased flow of saliva, great fever, mouth open, 
 tongue swollen and hanging out, excessive pain, 
 which, however, diminishes as swelling increases; 
 finally, the patient loses all power over it, and 
 general disturbance of the system ensues. Of course 
 a patient in this condition refuses all food. 
 
 The Terminations of Glossitis 
 
 are the formation of abscesses, which may be con- 
 sidered favourable, as they generally take place at 
 the base of the tongue, and burst sometimes through 
 the intermaxillary space, or the hollow situated 
 between the lower jaws. Should induration occur, 
 it is greatly to be dreaded ; therefore the best course 
 to adopt is to consign the animal to a butcher, if it 
 is in condition at all, for it will lose flesh rapidly. 
 When, however, it is only an abscess, the treatment 
 is very simple : open it with the lance, foment, and 
 keep the patient on soft, sloppy food, always remem- 
 bering to wash the mouth well after each diet. 
 
 There is another termination of inflammation of 
 the tongue that is much to be dreaded, and is 
 known as 
 
 Gangrene, 
 
 and may be defined as follows, namely, deprivation 
 of life, or partial death of an ofgan. Some writers 
 
12 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 distinguish and divide mortification into two stages, 
 naming the first incipient mortification or gangrene. 
 It is attended with a sudden diminution of feeling 
 in the part affected, livid discoloration, and detach- 
 ment of the cuticle, under which a turbid fluid is 
 effused, with crepitation owing to the disengage- 
 ment of air into the areolar texture. When the part 
 has become quite black and incapable of .all feeling, 
 circulation, and life, it constitutes the second stage, 
 and is called sphacelus. 
 
 Gangrene, however, is frequently used synony- 
 mously with mortification, local asphyxia being the 
 term employed for that condition in which the parts 
 are in a state of suspended animation, and conse- 
 quently susceptible of resuscitation. Again, when 
 the part is filled with fluid in the process of becom- 
 ing putrified, the affection is called humid gangrene; 
 while, on the other hand, when it is dry and shri- 
 velled, it constitutes dry gangrene or mummification. 
 
 Causes. — Violent inflammation, injuries, contu- 
 sions, burns, congelation, a ligature applied to a 
 large arterial trunk, mechanical obstruction to the 
 return of blood, or by some inappreciable internal 
 cause. Treatment, both of external and internal 
 gangrene, varies according to the causes which pro- 
 duce them. For example, gangrene arising from ex- 
 cessive inflammation is obviated by antiphlogistics, 
 or remedies opposed to inflammation, and that ori<ri- 
 nating from intense cold by cautiously restoring the 
 
PROLAPSUS LINGU-ffi, OR GLOSSOCELE. 13 
 
 circulation by friction, &c. Again, when the gan- 
 grene has become developed, the separation of the 
 eschars must be encouraged by emollient applications 
 if there be considerable reaction, or by tonics and 
 stimulants if the reaction be insufficient ; or, if de- 
 cided upon, remove the dead part. In doing this 
 you must exercise considerable care lest the opera- 
 tion proves fatal. When animals recover from this 
 disease they are usually slow feeders ; and when 
 drinking, they bury their heads, if practicable, up 
 to the eyes in the water. 
 
 Prolapsus Linguae, or Glossocele, 
 
 or protrusion of the tongue from the mouth. This 
 disease depends generally on an inflammatory swell- 
 ing of the organ. At times, however, a chronic glos- 
 socele, or sort of (edematous engorgement, is met with, 
 which proceeds to a great length and deforms the 
 dental arch and lips. The inflammatory aspect of 
 the disease must be combated by antiphlogistics. If 
 of an cedematous nature, such as is sometimes caused 
 by excessive salivation, the infiltrated fluid may be 
 pressed back by the hand of the practitioner, to get 
 the tongue behind the teeth, and it may be retained 
 there by a piece of gauze being strapped over the 
 mouth ; but if the animal has control over it, let it 
 alone : if, on the other hand, he has lost that power, 
 it may be necessary to amputate ; afterwards dress 
 with, the usual dressings. 
 
14 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Choking. 
 
 Every one conversant with the habits of the ox 
 and cow must have encountered occasional cases of 
 choking. To the experienced in such matters it may 
 be regarded as superfluous to offer any instruction, 
 hut our observations may assist the uninitiated in 
 saving the life of many a valuable animal. Now 
 it must be observed that in the majority of cases 
 prompt and immediate means are of the greatest 
 importance ; nor will it be necessary to occupy 
 space with any description of the materials that 
 may cause obstruction. Suffice it to say that the 
 ordinary cause of choking is either turnips, pota- 
 toes, or cake. The symptoms are likewise more or 
 less familiar to every one, and can rarely be mis- 
 taken, as they conclusively direct attention to the 
 throat. But it must also be remembered that the 
 gullet at its commencement and termination is con- 
 siderably narrower than the centre ; therefore there 
 is this danger to be encountered: supposing you 
 succeed by manipulation in forcing the obstruction 
 from the constricted upper portion of the tube, in 
 all probability its course will be arrested at the 
 other end, just before it reaches the entrance into 
 the stomach. In such a case you may be induced 
 to remove the precautionary means that you had 
 employed to prevent swelling, as the evidence guides 
 you to suppose that all danger is over. But such is 
 
CHOKING. 15 
 
 not so, as you may have the painful experience of 
 witnessing the death of your animal. It will, there- 
 fore, be advisable to study the satisfactory symptoms 
 in order to avert this undesirable termination. Now 
 the best evidence that can be observed, and which 
 clearly demonstrates that the gullet is free from 
 obstruction, is the animal's ability to swallow ; when 
 this function is restored, anxiety may be laid aside. 
 These symptoms are so patent that it is impossible 
 to arrive at any other than a correct diagnosis as to 
 the cause. 
 
 Treatment. — Aided by two reliable strong men, 
 you need have no fear to insert your hand as far 
 down the throat as possible, and remove the offend- 
 ing substance. If you find that this cannot be ac- 
 complished, and the swelling increases, your next 
 step must be to gag the patient. For this purpose a 
 round piece of wood about nine inches long and two 
 inches in diameter, with a large hole in the middle 
 and a small hole at each end for passing a cord 
 through, will be found to answer admirably. Secure 
 this gag in the mouth above the tongue, and allow 
 it to remain until the swelling in the first stomach 
 has entirely subsided. Should there be a danger of 
 the animal going down, and, through the excessive 
 swelling, the bowels begin to obtrude, you must 
 without any further delay have recourse to the tro- 
 car and canula, remembering always to insert the 
 trocar into the left side, about- four inches from the 
 
16 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 protuberance of • bone. I have known instances 
 where, through ignorance, the animal was punc- 
 tured on the right side, the party excusing himself 
 by declaring that he was always taught to consider 
 that the right side was the proper place for this 
 operation. The result was death. With reference 
 to the probang or rammer, you are justified in using 
 it if you think that you can accomplish the feat 
 with safety ; but if you have any scruple, you will 
 be much safer to resort to the trocar, which, after 
 insertion, you withdraw, leaving the canula to allow 
 the free exit of gases; in fact, the tube ought not 
 to be removed until you have effected a passage in 
 the bowels by a good aperient, composed of Epsom 
 salts and treacle, one pound of the former to two 
 pounds of the latter. And let no one induce you 
 to administer any medicine, either in the solid or 
 liquid state, while the throat is obstructed, for 
 should you employ any agent for the purpose of 
 softening the material that has effected a lodgment 
 in the gullet, it is almost a foregone conclusion that 
 immediate death will be the result. Some people 
 open the poor animal's mouth and throw salt down 
 the throat, in order to induce it to cough up the 
 foreign body. The practice is to be condemned, for 
 the results are unsatisfactory. Again, should it be 
 necessary to cut into the gullet in order to remove, 
 the substance, the assistance of a professional man 
 will be required. 
 
TYMPANITIS. 17 
 
 Passing on now to the diseases proper, let us begin 
 with one that is of frequent occurrence ; one which, 
 if not speedily arrested, often terminates fatally. It 
 is called 
 
 Tympanitis, Hoven, or Distension of the First 
 Stomach. 
 
 It is produced by the fermentation of food in this 
 organ, and occurs most commonly in spring, when 
 the grasses are luxurious and tempting; or when 
 the animal is getting tares or fitches, more especially 
 when they are wet with dew. Tympanitis may 
 be either idiopathic or symptomatic, the former 
 depending upon the exhalation of air from the 
 decomposition of substances contained within the 
 stomach, or from obstruction in the digestive tube. 
 This form of the disease is not difficult to cure. 
 But the symptomatic form is usually fatal. The 
 symptoms are as follows: — Great distension of the 
 stomach on the left side ; if struck, it produces a 
 hollow, drum-like sound ; the nose is poked out ; 
 the breathing increases as the swelling increases; 
 the hind-legs are drawn underneath the body; and if 
 not speedily relieved, the animal drops down and 
 dies from rupture of the stomach. 
 
 Treatment. — When the distension is great and no 
 convenient remedy is at hand, insert the trocar into 
 the stomach at once, and liberate the gases. If you 
 
18 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 have not a trocar in your possession, a sharp- pointed 
 knife will do in a case of emergency. 
 
 Your next step must be to gag the mouth with the 
 piece of wood already described in Choking. Allow 
 this to remain until you have procured the proper 
 remedies. These consist of ammonia, which, from 
 its double action as an antacid and stimulant, is 
 of special value, because it not only controls the 
 nervous force, but it counteracts spasms, — the dose 
 for cattle being from two to ten drachms, largely 
 diluted with gruel; ether comes next, the dose of 
 which is two to three ounces in water or gruel; 
 alcohol next, and turpentine, when it is impossible 
 to procure those other remedies. Exercise and fric- 
 tion must also be called into requisition, and a good 
 dose of aperient medicine administered. When the 
 physic has operated, remove the tube from the side, 
 and as a rule the patient makes a satisfactory 
 recovery. But, again, chronic tympanitis may fol- 
 low as a sequel, and affect the animal in a variety 
 of forms, which return at short intervals. It may be 
 due to an error in feeding, indigestion, or organic 
 disease of the internal coats of the stomach ; or it 
 may be owing to a distension of the walls of that 
 organ and their inability to contract. 
 
 Treatment. — Administer a laxative, change en- 
 tirely the diet, and follow up with tonics and seda- 
 tives. This disease rarely affects calves, but it is a 
 
IMPACTION OF THE FIEST STOMACH. 19 
 
 malady that frequently attacks sheep, and is felt 
 very severely when it does so. 
 
 Impaction of the First Stomach 
 
 occurs in both cattle and sheep, and is a much more 
 serious disease than tympanitis. The symptoms 
 are swelling in the region of the left flank and side ; 
 and if you press the stomach with your hand, you 
 will find it very hard and unyielding, while it 
 produces a dull -like sound when struck. The 
 patient will be very often stupid from the com- 
 mencement, and always evinces great irritation, 
 which is accompanied by deep groans. The breath- 
 ing will be greatly quickened owing to the walls of 
 the stomach pressing against the diaphragm. This 
 disorder also requires energetic treatment, therefore 
 an active dose of medicine must be given, and on no 
 account permit food to be partaken of. Should the 
 bowels not be relieved within twelve hours, repeat 
 the physic and follow up with stimulants. If, how- 
 ever, this course of treatment produces no beneficial 
 results, then you must have recourse to the opera- 
 tion called rumenotomy — that is to say, you make 
 a bold deep incision through the side and stomach, 
 of such magnitude as will allow your hand to pene- 
 trate into the interior, when of course you remove 
 from the stomach the offending cause. Having 
 accomplished this, the next step is to carefully 
 stitch up the stomach and side, which must first be 
 
20 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 well cleansed. Exercise particular caution with 
 reference to diet, attend to the general comfort of 
 the patient, keeping it as free from movement as 
 possible. 
 
 The Second Stomach 
 
 generally becomes involved in any disease which 
 affects the first. It is, however, rarely the seat of 
 any important disease itself, but it seems to be the 
 residence where foreign bodies accumulate when 
 swallowed. The third stomach or many-plies is 
 liable to a disease called 
 
 Fardel-Bound or Impaction. 
 
 It is simply a constipation of this organ, which 
 may be involved in all diseases. 
 
 Symptoms. — These vary according to severity. 
 Eumination ceases; the animal refuses all food, 
 even of the most tempting description ; the secre- 
 tion of milk becomes arrested, with fever present; 
 horns warm at the roots but cold at the tips : 
 towards the third day the animal commences to 
 grunt in a very characteristic, peculiar manner, 
 and so closely does this grunt resemble that of 
 pleuro - pneumonia, that it has often been con- 
 founded with the latter disease. After death the 
 stomach is '"'found to be enormously distended with 
 hard, dry, indigestible food situated between the 
 leaves of the organ. So hard indeed has this im- 
 
FARDEL-BOUND OE IMPACTION. 21 
 
 pacted material become, that you can rub it down 
 between your finger and thumb. 
 
 Treatment. — It is important to administer a very 
 powerful purgative — in fact, you can scarcely give 
 too strong a dose ; follow up with stimulants, and 
 apply hot fomentations to the right side. If stupor 
 or frenzy takes place, little or no hope can be 
 entertained. If, however, the patient still remains 
 conscious, and the medicine you administered at 
 first inactive, say after eighteen or twenty hours, 
 give the following draught : — Three - quarters of 
 a pound each of Epsom and common table salts, 
 and, when obstinate, twenty croton beans, with one 
 drachm of calomel, given in four or five quart bottles 
 of gruel. Along with stimulants, such as ammonia, 
 ale, ether, or spirits, injections may be given, but 
 I have no faith in their reaching the seat of dis- 
 ease ; they only overload the bowels without effect- 
 ing any serviceable object. 
 
 The third stomach is also liable to inflammation, 
 the symptoms of which are somewhat analogous 
 to fardel-bound, with this addition, that there is 
 a peculiar twitching of the muscles of the head and 
 neck, accompanied with a staggering gait and tucked- 
 up belly. 
 
 Treatment. — Hot fomentations, linseed-oil inter- 
 nally, with opium, and nitre in the water given to 
 drink. 
 
 The fourth stomach is liable to many diseases 
 
22 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 that appertain to the others, the most common of 
 which is indigestion and functional derangement, 
 thought to be caused by undue activity, but often 
 due to the kind of food. 
 
 Symptoms. — The coat becomes coarse and staring, 
 appetite capricious; the animal licks the wall or 
 any cold substance with its tongue; if in a cow, 
 the milk is poor and scanty, and frequently diarrhoea 
 ensues. 
 
 Treatment. — Give an alkaline combined with an 
 aromatic and stimulant, and food in small quanti- 
 ties, with rock salt placed in a trough within the 
 animal's reach ; this must be followed up with 
 gentle exercise and plenty of pure fresh air. 
 
 The fourth stomach is also liable to true inflamma- 
 tion, but this is fortunately of rare occurrence. The 
 most frequent cause is due to the animal eating 
 some poisonous substance, such as the leaves of the 
 ordinary yew-tree, &c. The symptoms are great 
 pain and frequent attempts to vomit; the animal 
 appears languid and sleepy ; frequently attempts to 
 pass faeces ; whilst after death intense inflammation 
 of the stomach is evidenced. 
 
 Treatment. — Get rid of the poison or neutralise 
 it ; but first examine into the circumstances of the 
 case to enable you to know what kind of neu- 
 tralising agent will be required ; also give a purga- 
 tive, with opium and mild stimulants. 
 
INFLAMMATION. 23 
 
 Inflammation. 
 
 This is, as the term signifies, a setting on fire, and 
 is so alarming, that whenever the expression escapes 
 the speaker's lips, the announcement is received by 
 every one conversant with the ailments of the lower 
 animals with the utmost concern and anxiety. 
 
 Bleeding, the pet remedy with many, is it really 
 worthy of consideration ? This being a question of 
 considerable importance in the treatment of inflam- 
 mation, we will dispose of it first. 
 
 In discussing this blood-letting remedy, many 
 suppose, assert, and maintain that by its adoption 
 you diminish the inflammatory process going on in 
 any organ or region of the body. Such an idea is 
 entirely fallacious, and a little examination into the 
 character of blood, and how it acts in an inflamed 
 organ or part, will clearly demonstrate its absur- 
 dity; for where we find inflammation, there the 
 circulation becomes arrested, and stagnation is the 
 result. 
 
 How then is this stoppage to be got rid of ? 
 Certainly not by bleeding, since the blood has be- 
 come coagulated in the part, and therefore can no 
 longer flow. So if recourse is had to this remedy, 
 you diminish the strength of the patient, impair 
 its vitality, increase exhaustion, and hasten death, 
 because you have removed the principal power of 
 resistance. 
 
24 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Take a practical analogy. Supposing you have 
 a stopped drain to contend with, you are aware that 
 water is not the obstruction, but that there is some 
 material which has effected a lodgment, owing 
 to which the water is directed out of its usual 
 channel. In such a case you would consider it 
 extreme folly to open the drain at a distance of 
 seven or eight feet from the . obstructing material, 
 therefore you have your opening made in the imme- 
 diate vicinity of the stoppage in order to reach the 
 cause, which, once reached and removed, the water 
 resumes its course uninterruptedly. This is exactly 
 the position with bleeding. The blood is not the 
 obstruction or the cause of inflammation, but it is 
 the irritant that has effected a residence in the 
 part ; hence the inflammation as a result of this 
 irritant. Eemove this irritant, then, as you would 
 remove the obstructive material from the drain; 
 and when you accomplish this, the bad effects will 
 cease, and the inflammatory process will be arrested. 
 
 We will now proceed to the definition of inflam- 
 mation given .by some of our leading authorities. Dr. 
 Hunter says : — " Inflammation is due to an increased 
 action of vessels, observing at the same time that 
 dilatation of the vessels was as much an evidence 
 of power as the contraction." And again he says : — 
 " Such is inflammation, blood much altered, sta<?- 
 nant, or tending to stagnation ; capillaries over-dis- 
 tended, the coats of which are spongy, soft, and 
 
INFLAMMATION. 25 
 
 lacerable ; copious exudation of liquor sanguinis ; 
 extravasation of blood by lesion of capillary coats ; 
 absorption in abeyance ; nutrition and function per- 
 verted; structure changed; texture softened and 
 enlarged; suppuration in progress with part of 
 texture breaking up ; nothing healthy or consistent 
 with local health ; all essentially diseased." Pro- 
 fessor Syme says : — " It is a peculiar perverted 
 action of the capillary system, attended by pain, 
 heat, redness, and swelling." Dr. Alison says: — 
 " It is a peculiar perversion of nutrition or of secre- 
 tion." The cause then of this stasis or stagnation is 
 an irritant, which irritation must be looked upon as 
 one of three processes : first, nutritive ; second, func- 
 tonal; third, formative. 
 
 Having now this irritant as the exciting cause, 
 if the part is vascular — for inflammation cannot 
 exist in a part containing no blood-vessels, but 
 exists in the parts immediately surrounding it — 
 the nutrition becomes perverted, ,then congestion 
 of the parts takes place, while the capillaries first 
 contract, then dilate, and the blood meantime, flow- 
 ing slowly, becomes irregular and oscillates, until 
 complete stagnation occurs. At this period the 
 vessels become greatly distended, the red globules 
 of the blood grow adhesive and stick to the walls of 
 the vessels, while they also adhere one to the other. 
 
 Again, in some cases the vessels present dilata- 
 tions of their whole circumference at certain parts 
 
26 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 of their course, due to the thin parts of the wall 
 bulging out from the accumulated pressure of blood 
 within. 
 
 The next process is the extravasation of serum 
 (namely, the watery portion of the blood) into the 
 surrounding tissues. This also takes place in health ; 
 but in inflammation the quantity exuded or given 
 off is in greater abundance than is required, and 
 has to be absorbed by the cells of the surrounding 
 tissue, thereby producing enlargement of the parts. 
 
 Again, the blood may extravasate from rupture 
 of the vessel's coats. Should this occur, sudden 
 obstacles spring up, which suspend the life of the 
 parts for a time, and, if very acute, may destroy it 
 altogether. 
 
 Some writers assert that constriction of the vessels 
 never takes place prior to the dilatation. If you 
 irritate a part with weak vinegar, the constriction 
 takes place very slowly; but when you apply a 
 strong acid, the constriction is so rapid that it passes 
 into the dilated condition almost at once. The dila- 
 tation, then, is of a passive nature, and arises from 
 the walls being unable to resist the pressure of the 
 blood, as they are weakened and debilitated. 
 
 Stasis, or complete stagnation, then, is due to the 
 increased vitality of the tissues themselves, which 
 draw the blood towards them like a loadstone 
 attracting iron to itself. 
 
 Having now directed your attention to this indis- 
 
INFLAMMATION. 27 
 
 putable fact, pointing out the origin of inflammation, 
 and how an irritant exerts its power over the cir- 
 culation until it has finally arrested the flow of 
 blood, you will perceive that blood-letting, if resorted 
 to generally, must have a pernicious effect upon the 
 subject, and ought, in the name of justice and 
 sympathy, to be for ever abandoned. 
 
 In considering another remedy intimately allied 
 with blood-letting for the treatment of inflammation, 
 it will be necessary, in the first place, to direct 
 your attention to an important element in the blood, 
 known as fibrin. 
 
 Fibrin, although occupying a minor position as 
 to quantity, is nevertheless one of the most essential 
 constituents of the circulating fluid. It has some- 
 thing like a percentage of four to five, but may 
 vary occasionally. It is through this fibrin that 
 the wounds of vessels heal up, and if it were not 
 for this material a mere scratch would have a fatal 
 issue. In infants, for example, when a vessel is 
 cut or wounded, it is a matter of extreme difficulty 
 to arrest the flow of blood: this is due to a want 
 of fibrin. 
 
 Again, in black- quarter, or black-leg, as it is some- 
 times called, the disease occurs merely owing to a 
 deficiency of this fibrinous element in the blood. 
 
 Let us consider the treatment, or rather the pre- 
 vention, of this fatal disease. It is by means of 
 counter-irritation that you can secure success, or 
 
28 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 by the insertion of a seton into the dewlap, which 
 is the most rapid way of combating the attack 
 when it appears amongst a herd of cattle. By this 
 means fibrin is formed in the parts, and taken up 
 by the absorbents, and then carried into the blood. 
 That being satisfactorily explained in the effectual 
 prevention of black-leg, surely it must be accepted 
 as unmistakable evidence that counter-irritation is 
 opposed to the successful treatment of inflamma- 
 tion, as it increases the fibrin enormously; hence 
 increased coagulation of the blood in an inflamed 
 part is the inevitable result, since it accelerates 
 stagnation, thus rendering it impossible for the blood 
 to flow. Blistering, then, so often resorted to in the 
 treatment of inflammation, is a direct manufacturer 
 of fibrin; and knowing the part this constituent 
 plays during inflammation, I have no hesitation in 
 denouncing it as bad treatment for the disease under 
 discussion. 
 
 The only conclusion, therefore, that I can arrive 
 at with safety is, that soothing remedies are the only 
 successful and legitimate ones to be employed ; and 
 that counter-irritants, being pathologically against 
 recovery, are consequently accompanied with danger 
 to vital parts. 
 
 We will now consider the local symptoms of in- 
 flammation, which are as follows: — ist, Eedness; 
 2d, Heat ; 3d, Pain ; 4th, Swelling ; 5th, Loss of 
 Function. 
 
INFLAMMATION. 29 
 
 First, then, Eedness in the lower animals cannot 
 be well observed, and is only seen upon the white 
 spots and the visible mucous membrane. It is caused 
 by the engorged state of the capillaries and the 
 blood-globules being dissolved, thus tinging the 
 tissues with hsematin, which is the colouring matter 
 of the blood. The redness is deepest in the centre, 
 and gradually pales off toward the circumference of 
 the inflamed parts ; but if caused by extravasation, 
 it will not be removed by pressure (as in true in- 
 flammation), therefore the aspect of redness differs 
 according to various circumstances. If the inflamed 
 vessels be uniformly distended, they will be of a 
 uniform deep blush ; and if observed in the mouth, 
 they will appear as folds of red velvet. 
 
 After stagnation has become complete^ the tissues 
 are stained by this extravasated colouring matter of 
 the blood, hsematin ; and when a post-mortem exami- 
 nation is made, if the subject has lain upon its back, 
 the muscles of the back will be found completely 
 congested and red. This, however, is owing to the 
 force of gravity drawing the blood to the lowest 
 parts of the patient; and the same appearances will 
 always present themselves, no matter in what posi- 
 tion the subject is lying, provided it has lain long 
 enough. When such takes place - after death, it is 
 termed hypostatic redness. 
 
 The presence or absence of redness is not of itself 
 a proof of inflammation ; for in inflammation of the 
 
30 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 cornea, one of the membranes of the eye, or articular 
 cartilage, or arachnoid membrane, there is no redness, 
 but the parts are opaque or white. 
 
 Heat. — The temperature of the inflamed part seems 
 higher both to the observer and patient, but the in- 
 crease of heat is not so decided as one would imagine. 
 Dr. Hunter proved that the temperature is only one 
 degree higher than the other parts. The greatest 
 amount of heat in an inflamed part is where it is 
 seated far distant from the centre of circulation, and 
 in parts where the heat of the blood is several de- 
 grees lower than that of the heart; therefore the 
 sense of heat that the patient endures must be due 
 to the increased sensibility of the part, combined 
 with the nervous functions. 
 
 Experiments have shown that the blood going to 
 an inflamed part is less warm than the part itself, 
 and that venous blood returning from an inflamed 
 part is warmer than that returning from other 
 parts. And again, in inflammation of a region 
 near the centre of circulation, instead of the tem- 
 perature of the blood being increased, it is actually 
 diminished. 
 
 Pain. — The pain of inflammation varies much in 
 degree and duration, according to its cause, intensity, 
 and seat. 
 
 In loose structures the pain is dull compared to 
 dense, strong, fibrous tissues. The pain of open 
 joints, laminitis, &c, is of the most acute nature; 
 
INFLAMMATION. 31 
 
 and in pleurisy, — the pain being of a sharp, darting 
 description, — is often mistaken for colic. 
 
 In acute peritonitis (the covering membrane of 
 the bowels), the pain is so agonising that the animal 
 is terrified to move a limb, therefore it does not 
 show much suffering. 
 
 Again, the pain of an inflamed mucous membrane 
 does not always amount to acute pain, therefore its 
 presence or absence does not always indicate inflam- 
 mation ; and the sudden cessation of pain in violent 
 inflammation is much' to be dreaded, as it unmis- 
 takably shows that the vitality of the part has been 
 destroyed, or, in other words, gangrene has set in. 
 
 Again, the situation of pain is not always the seat 
 of inflammation, as in inflammation of the liver the 
 pain is felt in the off shoulder, and the animal will 
 go lame on that limb. This is termed " reflex pain." 
 
 In acute heart-disease the hind-legs are partially 
 paralysed ; this is called " sympathetic pain." 
 
 Cause of Pain. — Some writers ascribe pain to the 
 pressure on the nerves of the part arising from 
 exudation, while others maintain that the vessels 
 of the part become slightly elongated and stretched 
 by each impulse of the heart. I am assured, how- 
 ever, that it is owing to the actual germinal matters 
 becoming greatly increased in the parts,- as witnessed 
 by the lines. 
 
 Swelling occurs independent of inflammation ; and, 
 according to some authorities, this symptom first 
 
32 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 depends upon the congested blood-vessels, with sub- 
 sequent exudation and engorgement. But it depends 
 upon the local production of lymph by the tissues 
 on which it is found. When swelling occurs upon 
 an external inflamed part, it may be looked upon 
 as a favourable symptom, for exudation has taken 
 place. But when swelling occurs upon any organ 
 essential to life, such as the lungs, or even the 
 throat, it may very soon terminate fatally. 
 
 Swelling, again, is not always characteristic of 
 inflammation. For example, purpurse haemorrha- 
 gaica, scarlatina, &c, are diseases in which we have 
 enormous swellings, yet they are not inflammatory 
 ones. 
 
 Loss of Function, or impairment or perversion of 
 the functions. In the first stage of inflammation, 
 function may be increased, as in the first stages of 
 phrenitis ; but in the first stages of inflammation 
 of the cornea the function is entirely or nearly 
 suspended. In inflammation of the muscles their 
 function is destroyed, while their sensibility is 
 greatly increased. 
 
 The Terminations of Inflammation 
 
 are — ist, effusion of serum; 2d, exudation of co- 
 agulable lymph ; 3d, suppuration ; 4th, ulceration ; 
 5th, gangrene; and 6th, resolution, which is said 
 to occur when the parts resume their natural 
 function. 
 
THE TERMINATIONS OF INFLAMMATION. 33 
 
 Take, then, the first termination, which is effusion; 
 this differs from exudation of lymph owing to the 
 fact that it occurs in the loose areolar tissue, and 
 partakes of the general constituents of serum. Serous 
 effusion may result from mechanical congestion ; and 
 in such cases the fluid is clear, containing very little 
 fibrin. 
 
 Now there are two essential characteristics of 
 inflammatory effusion : ist, It tends to contain in- 
 gredients in greater proportion than they exist in 
 blood, namely, chlorates, phosphates, albuminates; 
 2d, They contain organic forms, and these forms 
 find in this exudation a suitable situation for their 
 growth. 
 
 In pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, in 
 the human being, when the chlorate of soda is 
 absent from the urine, it is an evidence that in- 
 flammation is going on as rapidly as ever ; but as 
 soon as it appears, we are justified in predicting a 
 favourable termination. 
 
 Suppuration. — The formation of pus occurs in 
 three different ways : ist, circumscribed; 2d, dif- 
 fused ; 3d, superficial. In the first stage, the cells 
 of the areolar tissue are charged with lymph, becom- 
 ing enlarged, and for some time multiplying exces- 
 sively. This is soon followed by a division of the 
 cells themselves; and round about the inflamed 
 part, where there were only single cells, pairs 
 are now seen, and from them the new connective 
 
34 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 tissue is formed. Then, again, in the interior of 
 this growth, where the cells were early filled, num- 
 berless little cells now appear, which at first pre- 
 serve the form of the previous cellular tissue ; and 
 as these little cells extend in numbers and growth, 
 ' the surrounding tissue liquefies, and pus is formed. 
 A vital change has therefore taken place in the germs 
 of the tissue, the whole process being effected in the 
 cells themselves. 
 
 Healthy pus is a smooth, viscid, white or creamy- 
 looking substance, having no odour and possessing 
 an alkaline reaction. It is composed of two parts, 
 cells and liquor purse. When pus is formed near a 
 bone or in the foot, it usually has a fetid smell, due 
 to the death of the bone and the evolution of sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen. Pus consists of the following 
 kinds : " laudable," or healthy ; " ichorous," thin and 
 watery ; " sanious," mixed with blood. 
 
 2d, Diffused. — We find examples of this in the 
 purulent effusions of a glandered horse ; for there is 
 no pointing, as the pus gravitates to the most depend- 
 ing parts. 
 
 3d, Superficial Suppuration, . met with in the 
 mucous membranes and skin. All mucous mem- 
 branes, with only a single layer of epithelium, 
 are much less adapted to the formation of pus. 
 Again, the intestinal mucous membrane scarcely 
 ever produces pus without ulceration; but all 
 mucous membranes can secrete pus without ulcer- 
 
THE TERMINATIONS OF INFLAMMATION. 35 
 
 ation, and that through a change in their epithelial 
 scales. 
 
 Ulceration. — This takes place in the living tissue 
 surrounding the dead. A groove is formed in the 
 red line „ by the absorption of the living tissue ; this 
 line deepens, and the pus formed burrows in and 
 removes the slough, below which a healthy granu- 
 lating surface is exposed. 
 
 Mortification consists of two kinds — complete and" 
 incomplete. 
 
 In the soft structure the complete is termed 
 sphacelus, the incomplete gangrene. When it exists 
 in the blood it is termed necrsemia. Again, when 
 the dead tissue is visible, it is termed a " slough," 
 and the process by which it is removed " sloughing." 
 
 Degeneration may be distinguished from mortifica- 
 tion, as in it the fat does not become decomposed, 
 and pus is not formed to carry it off by separation 
 from the healthy part. 
 
 Mortification may be either wet or dry. It is wet 
 or moist when the blood exudes and then separates 
 into its various constituents. Dry mortification is 
 rarely seen, but has been found to follow on the use 
 of ergot of rye. 
 
 Necrwmia, or death of the blood, is seen in splenic 
 apoplexy, quarter-ill, and the last stages of rinder- 
 pest. In those diseases there are large patches of 
 dead and decomposed blood absorbed by the tis- 
 sues, causing swelling, which crepitates on pressure. 
 
36 DISEASES OE CATTLE. 
 
 Mortification may arise, without inflammation, from 
 a stoppage of blood to the part, or it may be brought 
 about by the vessels being absorbed or destroyed by 
 ulceration. When mortification ceases to spread, a 
 red line is observed around its circumference, sepa- 
 rating the dead from the living parts, which testifies 
 that a process has been established for the removal 
 of the dead tissue. The healthy tissue in the mean- 
 time becomes consolidated ; the mouths of the blood- 
 vessels are sealed up ; there is no haemorrhage, and 
 the virus from the dead portion cannot be taken up 
 by these healthy blood-vessels. 
 
 Again, mortification may take place from actual 
 contact with other parts, as witnessed in death from 
 enteritis, where the bowel in its course comes in 
 contact with any portion not already mortified. 
 
 Symptoms of inflammation are of two kinds — 
 local and constitutional. Constitutional symptoms 
 are indicative of sympathetic or inflammatory fever. 
 These are of the greatest importance, signifying the 
 nature of the disease when internally seated. The 
 most prominent symptoms are the rigors, or shiver- 
 ing fits that usher in the disease. These rigors are 
 followed by an increased heat of the skin ; the pulse 
 is firm and hard, accompanied by more or less dis- 
 turbance of the natural functions of the animal's 
 body. The rigors are often very severe, while occa- 
 sionally they may amount only to mere chilliness. 
 They are, however, important, as they mark the com- 
 
THE TERMINATIONS OF INFLAMMATION. 37 
 
 meneement of the disease or fever. Again, rigors 
 oftener attend spontaneous inflammation than that 
 caused by an irritant. Some animals with weak 
 constitutions are peculiarly liable to rigors. 
 
 Fever, then, is the effect of inflammation, and 
 during the inflammatory process one of the most 
 important changes that occur in the blood is the 
 increase of fibrin, which encourages coagulation very 
 rapidly at the inflamed parts. 
 
 Treatment. — If an animal is suffering from an 
 injury of any kind, the first duty incumbent upon 
 us is to prevent inflammation by removing the cause. 
 The local remedies must be soothing, with complete 
 repose strictly enjoined. If these preliminary steps 
 be neglected or imperfectly performed, the most 
 energetic remedies may be employed, but they will 
 avail little, as the disease will then have got a firm 
 hold. For instance, you may have a prick of the 
 foot, and the source of the injury remain unnoticed. 
 You may bleed, purge, and do everything, but unless 
 you remove the cause your efforts are in vain. 
 
 The old antiphlogistic theory led practitioners to 
 bleed for everything, and that to an enormous ex- 
 tent. But having already given you my opinion 
 upon the matter, it is not necessary here to recur to 
 the subject again. Suffice it to say, once for all, 
 that the operation of bleeding is opposed to all sound 
 theory. 
 
 The next step, then, to be taken is a purgative, as 
 
38 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 it frees the intestinal canal from all irritating matter; 
 for this purpose Epsom salts and treacle are the best. 
 Purgatives, however, must be cautiously adminis- 
 tered ; for if we have a case of thoracic inflamma- 
 tion — that is, inflammation of the organs that are 
 contained within the cavity of the chest — they must 
 not be administered ; but with stomach, brain, liver, 
 and bowel affections, accompanied with general de- 
 rangement, it is impossible to over-estimate their 
 value. 
 
 The next salutary remedy that possesses extra- 
 ordinary soothing power, that subdues pain, allays 
 nervous irritability, and is invaluable when given 
 in a watery solution, is opium. Aconite comes next, 
 but is most useful in inflammation accompanied by 
 excitement rather than pain. It improves the tone 
 and diminishes the frequency of the pulse ; and I 
 have witnessed the most encouraging evidence of its 
 successful action. 
 
 Belladonna is another useful agent, but it is prin- 
 cipally beneficial in allaying irritation attending 
 sore-throat. 
 
 Amongst the neutral remedies, potassa nitras 
 possesses the power of dissolving the fibrin in the 
 blood, and prevents the formation of it by the 
 tissues; while it increases the secretion of urine, 
 and assists particularly the expulsion by this chan- 
 nel of the products derived from the destruction of 
 the albuminous materials of the body. It should 
 
GEASS STAGGERS. 39 
 
 always be given in large quantities of cold water, as 
 it is then readily assimilated by the blood ; but if 
 given in a concentrated form in the animal's food, 
 it abstracts water from the blood, thus rendering 
 it thick, which is not desirable. 
 
 Grass Staggers. 
 
 This kind of disease is of frequent occurrence 
 during summer, but it will appear at any season, 
 provided the animals are exposed to the exciting 
 cause, which is hard, dry, indigestible food. It is 
 worst when the seed is on the different grasses, while 
 it is often met with in cows that are fed on tares. 
 Indeed, so closely connected is this disease with this 
 kind of herbage, that the two stand in relation to 
 each other as positive cause and effect. The symp- 
 toms, to the uninitiated, may point in the direction 
 of the brain, and if treated accordingly, it will be 
 without success. 
 
 Symptoms. — These appear gradually. The animal 
 looks dull and listless, and cannot use the hind-legs 
 properly, accompanied by a staggering sort of gait. 
 Sometimes these symptoms disappear, and the animal 
 will seem in apparent health for two or three days ; 
 however, the disease will very likely soon manifest 
 itself again by drowsiness and hanging head, with 
 irregular torpidity of the bowels. The animal take s 
 a mouthful of food, quids it, and then lets it drop 
 along with a quantity of saliva. This state may 
 
40 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 continue for other two or three days, sometimes a 
 week, and even a fortnight, when it gets gradually 
 worse. The animal now pokes the nose into a 
 corner, resting the lower jaw upon any convenient 
 place. Shortly after this it falls on one side, throws 
 back the head towards the side, and frequently goes 
 into a convulsive fit. These fits occur at short inter- 
 vals, when death soon ends the struggle. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearances. — Faeces hard and dry, 
 with impaction of the third stomach, and sometimes 
 the first stomach. Patches of inflammation will be 
 also found in the intestinal canal, often accompanied 
 by congestion of the lungs ; this, however, is not 
 , due to the disease, but to nervous prostration. The 
 vessels about the brain and spinal chord are also tinged 
 with dark blood, which explains the general dulness 
 of the patient during life. Derangement, then, of the 
 stomach and intestines is the primary cause of the 
 brain symptoms. As these organs are plentifully 
 supplied with nerves from the brain and spinal cord, 
 impressions are conveyed through this nervous com- 
 munication to the nerve centres ; hence the feeling 
 of oppression, which is succeeded by the unsteady 
 gait. 
 
 Treatment. — The first object must be to get the 
 stomach and bowels unloaded ; this is accomplished 
 by administering a strong purgative, followed up 
 with stimulants. Some authors recommend setons 
 and blisters to the top' of the head; but for the 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE INTESTINES. 41 
 
 reasons already adduced, I cannot advise their appli- 
 cation. Besides, I hold they are entirely uncalled 
 for, seeing that the disease has its origin in the 
 stomach; therefore the cause must be removed. 
 When this is successfully accomplished, little more 
 will be required but to exercise moderation in feed 
 ing in future, and a total change of diet. 
 
 Description of the Intestines. 
 
 The small intestines are divided into three por- 
 tions; namely, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. 
 The duodenum is the first part of the intestinal canal, 
 commencing at the pyloric orifice of the stomach, 
 and terminating in the jejunum. In the duodenum 
 chylification takes place after the admixture of the 
 biliary and pancreatic fluids with the chyme. The 
 jejunum is the part of the small intestines com- 
 prised between the duodenum and ileum. The 
 ileum comes next, and completes the series of small 
 bowels. 
 
 The large intestines are likewise divided into 
 three portions ; namely, the caecum, colon, and rectum. 
 The caecum, or blind gut — so called from its being 
 open at one end only — is that portion of the intes- 
 tinal canal which is seated between the termination 
 of the ileum and commencement of the colon, the ileo- 
 caBcal valve shutting off all communication between 
 them. The colon is that portion of the large intes- 
 tines which extends from the caecum to the rectum ; 
 
42 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 while the rectum is the third and last portion of 
 the great intestines. This organ receives the faecal 
 matters as they pass from the colon, and serves as 
 a reservoir for this material. 
 
 , Constipation 
 
 is a state of the bowels in which the evacuations 
 do not take place as frequently as usual, or are 
 inordinately hard and expelled with great difficulty. 
 It may be due to diminished action of the muscular 
 coat of the intestines, or to diminished secretion 
 from the mucous membrane, or to both, but it is 
 frequently due to impaction of the third stomach. 
 
 Treatment. — Cathartic medicines will usually re- 
 move it; after which, its exciting and predisposing 
 causes must be inquired into and removed, to render 
 cure permanent. 
 
 Diarrhoea 
 
 is a disease characterised by frequent liquid alvine 
 evacuations, and is generally a result of inflamma- 
 tion or irritation of the mucous membrane of the 
 intestines. It is also often caused by errors in feed- 
 ing — the use of unwholesome food, given in large 
 quantities. This disease is frequently an effort of 
 nature to get rid of the irritating matters that be- 
 come lodged in the intestines. Intestinal worms are 
 another cause, and young grass ; also nervous excite- 
 ment and disorders of the blood, &c. 
 
WHITE SCOUE IN CALVES — DIAEEHCEA. 43 
 
 Symptoms. — Frequent evacuations ; considerable 
 straining ; appetite not much impaired ; seldom pain 
 or fever, and pulse not much affected. 
 
 Treatment. — Diarrhoea requires different remedies 
 according to its nature. If caused, as it often is, by 
 improper matters in the intestinal canal, these must 
 be got rid of by a gentle purge, such as linseed-oil 
 and carbonate of soda. If the discharges seem to be 
 kept up by irritability of the intestines, the astrin- 
 gent plan must be adopted, combined with tonics 
 and aromatics. The following will be found useful : 
 — Dilute sulphuric acid, one drachm, tincture of 
 opium, one ounce, given in starch or gruel, twice a 
 day; or, catechu, half an ounce, with gentian or 
 ginger, two or three times a day, in warm sweet ale, 
 accompanied with entire change of food. 
 
 White Scour in Calves, Diarrhoea. 
 
 The cause of this ailment is generally traceable to 
 the food, which of course must be changed; then 
 administer linseed or castor oil, or Epsom salts and 
 treacle, with a stimulant, such as spirits of ether or 
 alcohol. When the bowels are cleaned out, give a 
 switched egg and a little port- wine and ginger mixed, 
 attending at the same time to the general comfort of 
 the patient. 
 
44 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Dyspepsia in Calves 
 
 is a state of the stomach in which its functions 
 are disturbed without the presence of other diseases. 
 If other diseases are present, they are but of minor 
 importance. 
 
 The Symptoms are various. Those affecting the 
 stomach are, — loss of appetite ; animal dull and 
 listless ; hide-bound, and pain on pressure at the 
 right • side of the belly. The sympathetic affec- 
 tions are of the most diversified character ; but 
 the disease, being generally of a functional nature, 
 is devoid of danger. However, it may arise from 
 disease of the stomach itself, when it becomes more 
 serious. It is usually produced by irregularity in 
 feeding, or in the quantity or quality of the food. 
 It is often connected with an inflammatory or sub- 
 inflammatory condition of the mucous lining of the 
 stomach. Dyspepsia is also often attended with too 
 great a secretion of the gastric acids ; and in many 
 cases they would appear to be too small in quantity, 
 so as to constitute alkaline or neutral indigestion. 
 
 Treatment. — Purgative, with change of diet. 
 
 Dysentery, or Bloody Flux, 
 
 is an inflammatory condition of the mucous mem- 
 brane of the intestines, the chief symptoms of which 
 are as follows : — Fever, more or less inflammatory ; 
 frequent mucous or bloody evacuations ; appetite 
 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 45 
 
 capricious ; rumination ceases ; lifting of the flanks ; 
 animal stands with its head down, tail erect ; dark- 
 red urine ; abdominal pain varies considerably, ac- 
 companied with distension of the first stomach, great 
 + hirst, emaciation, eruptions on the mouth, in some 
 cases abscesses, and in others ulceration. 
 
 Treatment is very uncertain. Give mild laxatives, 
 such as linseed and castor oil, and adopt the same 
 course as for diarrhoea. 
 
 Colic. 
 
 This disease only occurs in the ox and cow in the 
 spasmodic form. The flatulent form of colic is seen 
 in tympanitis. It is, however, very rare in cattle, 
 but it arises from the same cause that produces it 
 in the horse ; that is, by indigestion, causing mus- 
 cular contraction of the coats of the intestines. 
 The symptoms are more sudden and violent than in 
 the horse : great restlessness, stamping the ground 
 with the feet, shifting from one leg to another, con- 
 stipation, and frequently tympanitis. 
 
 Treatment. — An active aperient is generally all 
 that is required, when the disease will either ter- 
 minate in recovery or 
 
 Enteritis, or Inflammation of the Bowels. 
 
 The essential symptoms of this disease are violent 
 abdominal pain, which is increased on pressure, with 
 inflammatory fever ; the muzzle is hot and dry; pulse 
 
46 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 quick and strong ; lifting of the flanks ; urine scanty 
 and high-coloured ; shifting of the feet, kicking the 
 belly, grinding the teeth, flow of saliva from the 
 mouth ; sometimes constipation, at other times slimy 
 evacuations; extremities cold; pulse becomes quicker 
 and feebler, the animal dying totally exhausted. 
 Causes : eating poisonous plants, wet pastures, bad 
 food or water, over-driving, &c. Enteritis may affect 
 both the peritoneal and the mucous coats of the 
 intestines, the former of which covers; while the 
 latter lines the bowels ;' and in violent cases all the 
 coats may be implicated. But the structure of the 
 mucous and peritoneal coats is different. So are 
 their functions in health and disease. The inflam- 
 mation of the serous coat resembles that of the 
 cellular membrane ; the inflammation of the mucous 
 coat that of the skin. The former is usually, there- 
 fore, of a more active character. Again, inflam- 
 mation of the mucous coat is generally attended 
 with diarrhoea, and its pathology is identical with 
 that of dysentery. 
 
 Inflammation of the peritoneal coat is, on the 
 other hand, generally attended with constipation. 
 
 Treatment. — Hot fomentations carefully and per- 
 sistently applied to the abdomen. Tincture of 
 opium in two-ounce doses every three hours ; 
 linseed-oil or Epsom salts and treacle as a purge, 
 encouraging the animal to drink tepid water with 
 nitre dissolved in it. 
 
DEOPSY OR ASCITES. 47 
 
 Peritonitis. 
 
 Enteritis of the peritoneal coat — for such literally 
 is the meaning of the word — requires the most active 
 remedies. However, it is a rare disease amongst 
 cattle, but may occur as a sequel to castration, or 
 from violence inflicted upon an animal. It is gene- 
 rally ushered in by a shivering fit ; the pulse will 
 be hard and wiry, accompanied with great restless- 
 ness, shifting of the, feet, straining, grinding of the 
 teeth, great fever, and violent pain. 
 
 Treatment. — The same remedies that are employed 
 for enteritis, with a plentiful supply of hot water 
 fomentations to the abdomen. 
 
 Dropsy, or Ascites, 
 
 may occur as a sequel to the former disease. It 
 is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which 
 may be the result of a weakening of the capillary 
 vessels, these allowing the watery portion of the 
 blood to exude through their walls. The abdomen 
 becomes of an enormous size; there is no pain 
 evinced upon pressure, but the breathing and pulse 
 are hurried. It is rarely a primary disease, but is 
 always dangerous, and but little susceptible of cure. 
 The treatment to adopt is diuretics, stimulants, and, 
 if no benefit can be derived from these, paracentesis, 
 or tapping, must be had recourse to. However, it 
 can only be regarded as a palliative. When this 
 
48 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 operation is perforated, you make an incision in the 
 skin six or eight inches from the anterior part of the 
 udder, and about one inch from the linea alba — that 
 is, the line that runs directly along the middle of 
 the abdomen. You then insert the trocar and canula, 
 when the fluid is easily removed. You must now 
 give good nourishing food, with stimulants and tonics. 
 
 Prolapsus Ani and Uteri. 
 
 This occurs in all domestic animals, and is a 
 protrusion of the bowel and womb. The causes 
 are violent straining or intestinal worms, which 
 often produce great irritation; hence the frequent 
 attempts to get rid of them. It is sometimes not a 
 very easy task to return either of these organs, but 
 the following method will greatly facilitate the 
 operation : — You must elevate the hind- quarters as 
 high as you possibly can, and well wash the organs 
 that are to be returned with warm water. It may 
 be also necessary to wash with a dilute solution of 
 opium and carbolic acid; then return very care- 
 fully. Afterwards you must either apply a truss or 
 close the external opening by means, of a suture. 
 Give a dose of opium, say two ounces, or chloral, two 
 ounces, in order to control or prevent straining. 
 Either of these agents will suit the purpose admir- 
 ably, keeping the animal quiet and comfortable, and 
 allowing nothing but soft, easily digestible food in 
 moderate quantity. 
 
HEPATITIS, OK INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 49 
 
 DISEASES OF THE ACCESSORY ORGANS OF 
 DIGESTION. 
 
 Hepatitis, or Inflammation of the Liver. 
 
 The liver is a highly organised gland, situated 
 within the abdominal cavity behind the diaphragm. 
 It is the largest secreting gland in the body. It is 
 unsymmetrical, very heavy, and of a brownish-red 
 colour; it is surrounded by a serous or peritoneal 
 covering. The blood-vessels in the liver are very 
 numerous. The hepatic artery and vena porta fur- 
 nish it with the blood necessary for its nutrition and 
 the secretion of bile ; the hepatic veius convey away 
 the blood which has served those purposes. The 
 lymphatic vessels are also very numerous, some being 
 superficial, others deeply seated. The nerves are also 
 very plentiful, and proceed from the pneumogastric, 
 diaphragmatic, and the hepatic plexuses. 
 
 The intricate structure of the liver has been well 
 studied. When cut, it presents a porous appearance, 
 owing to the division of a multitude of small vessels ; 
 when torn, it seems formed of granulations, the struc- 
 ture of which has given rise to many hypotheses. 
 In these granulations are contained the radicles of 
 the excretory ducts of the bile, the union of which 
 constitutes the hepatic duct. The internal struc- 
 ture of the liver consists of a number of lobules 
 composed of intralobular or hepatic veins, which con- 
 
 D 
 
50 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 vey the blood back that has been used in the secre- 
 tion of bile. The interlobular plexus of veins is 
 formed by branches of the vena porta, which contain 
 both the blood of the vena porta and of the hepatic 
 artery, both of which are considered' to furnish the 
 pabulum of the biliary secretion. The biliary ducts 
 form likewise an interlobular plexus, having an ar- 
 rangement similar to that of the interlobular veins. 
 
 The liver is perhaps the only organ which, inde- 
 pendently of the red blood carried to it by the 
 hepatic artery, receives black blood by the vena porta, 
 the general opinion being that the blood of the 
 vena porta furnishes the bile, whilst the hepatic 
 artery affords blood for the nutrition of the organ 
 itself. It is probable, however, that bile is secreted 
 from the blood of the latter vessel. Besides bile, the 
 liver forms sugar, and is the great assimilating organ. 
 It also produces glycogen or animal starch, which is 
 readily converted into sugar. Hepatitis or inflam- 
 mation of the liver may be seated either in the peri- 
 toneal covering or in the substance of the liver. It 
 may be also either acute or chronic. 
 
 Acute inflammation occurs rarely in the ox, but 
 it may be brought on by the animal being highly 
 fed and having no exercise, or a sudden change from 
 bad to good food, which causes a great secretion of 
 bile ; as a result of this, the gland becomes engorged 
 with blood, and inflammation is set up. 
 
 Symptoms. — The patient is dull and listless, but 
 
CHRONIC HEPATITIS. 51 
 
 indicates no severe pain; the skin is rough and itchy ; 
 the mucous membranes of a reddish-yellow colour ; 
 tongue foul; rumination arrested; small quantities 
 of faeces are evacuated: sometimes these are dark 
 and glossy, at other times they are of a whitish, 
 clay-looking colour, having a fetid smell. Should 
 the peritoneal covering become implicated, the febrile 
 symptoms are very severe : dropsy is the result, 
 with great emaciation and death. 
 
 Treatment. — It is of the utmost importance to 
 relieve the bowels as soon as possible ; for this pur- 
 pose give a good saline purge with one drachm of 
 calomel ; when this has operated, it will relieve the 
 blood-vessels of the liver. Apply plenty of hot water 
 to the right side over the region of the organ, and 
 allow as much pure water, with nitre dissolved in it, 
 as the patient can drink : restrict the diet, and pre- 
 vent food of a stimulating nature being given. 
 
 Chronic Hepatitis. 
 
 The primary symptoms of this disease are not 
 easily denned, but the animal will be found dull, 
 listless, hide -bound; appetite lost or capricious, 
 bowels constipated ;' faeces that may be passed are 
 hard, dark, or clay-coloured, while rumination is 
 suspended. Chronic hepatitis is generally far ad- 
 vanced before the services of a professional man are 
 requested. 
 ^Treatment. — Saline purge with calomel, frequently 
 
52 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 repeated, and an active blister over the region of 
 the liver, may exercise a wholesome influence. The 
 post-mortem appearances reveal the organ as large, 
 soft, and friable, and frequently attached to the sur- 
 rounding parts. 
 
 Icterus, Jaundice, or Yellows. 
 
 This disease generally follows debilitating affec- 
 tions, but it may also occur as an idiopathic from 
 various causes. In fact, anything that may obstruct, 
 directly or indirectly, the course of the bile, so that 
 it is taken into the mass of blood, produces the 
 yellowness of the skin and eyes. The bile being separ- 
 ated by the kidneys causes yellowness of the urine, 
 and its being prevented from reaching the intestines 
 occasions pale, clay-coloured faeces. The disease, 
 however, is more common to the human subject 
 than to our patients; the reason being that cattle 
 are select in their beverages, and don't indulge in 
 anything stronger than water, which exercises no 
 deleterious or pernicious effect upon this important 
 organ, the liver. The prognosis in ordinary cases is 
 very satisfactory, but when it is complicated with 
 hepatic disease, it becomes unfavourable. The treat- 
 ment is simple. Were it admissible to give an 
 emetic, that would often be all that is required ; but, 
 for the best of reasons, we cannot induce the ox or 
 cow to vomit as readily as man. "We have therefore 
 to rely upon an active purge, so as to encourage the 
 
BILIARY CALCULI, OE GALL-STONES. 53 
 
 return of bile to its ordinary channels. Give also 
 light, easily digested tonics and soothing diet, 
 always remembering to keep the bowels open. 
 
 Biliary Calculi, or Gall-Stones. 
 
 Calculi are concretions which may form in any 
 part of the animal body, but are most frequently 
 found in the organs which act as reservoirs, and in 
 the excretory canals. They are met with in the 
 tonsils, joints, biliary ducts, digestive passages, lach- 
 rymal ducts, mammae, pancreas, lungs, salivary, sper- 
 matic, and urinary passages, and in the womb. The 
 causes which give rise to them are obscure. 
 
 Those that occur in reservoirs or ducts are sup- 
 posed to be owing to the deposition of the sub- 
 stances which compose them from the fluid as it 
 passes along the duct, and those which occur in 
 the substance of an organ are regarded as the pro- 
 duct of some nutritive irritation. Their general 
 effect is to irritate, as extraneous bodies, the parts 
 with which they are in contact, and to produce 
 retention of the fluid by which they have been 
 formed. The symptoms differ according to the sen- 
 sibility of the organ and the importance of the par- 
 ticular secretion whose discharge they impede. Their 
 solution is usually impracticable ; spontaneous ex- 
 pulsion or extraction is the only way of getting rid 
 of them. 
 
 Biliary calculi appear to contain all the materials 
 
54 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 of the bile, and seem to be nothing more than that 
 secretion thickened. They are most frequently 
 found in the gall-bladder, at other times in the 
 substance of the liver, and when quiescent they 
 often occasion no uneasiness. At other times, how- 
 ever, they cause violent inflammation, with some- 
 times rupture and fatal effusion into the peritoneum, 
 the passage of a gall-stone being extremely painful. 
 Treatment of no avail. 
 
 Hypertrophy, or Chronic Enlargement of the 
 Liver. 
 
 Owing to nutrition being performed with great 
 activity, the liver becomes enormously enlarged. 
 The symptoms are : a tense enlarged abdomen ; con- 
 siderable thirst ; pulse very irregular, and bowels in 
 the same condition. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearance. — Liver two or three times 
 its natural size, and consisting of a mass of coagulated 
 blood. 
 
 Treatment. — Laxatives combined with diuretics, 
 and food in small quantities. 
 
 Degeneration 
 
 signifies a change for the worse — degradation — in 
 the intimate composition of the solids or fluids of 
 the body. In pathological anatomy it means the 
 change which occurs in the structure of an organ 
 when transformed into fat, for example, or into a 
 
THE PANCREAS. 55 
 
 matter essentially morbid. Degeneration is very 
 difficult to diagnose, and its existence can only be 
 ascertained by watching carefully the changes it 
 undergoes. You will perceive yellowness of the 
 visible mucous membranes and changeable appetite. 
 The animal seems at times to recover, but is again 
 thrown back, and eventually death takes place. 
 
 Treatment consists in proper attention to diet, 
 keeping the bowels in regular working order. 
 
 The Pancreas. 
 
 This organ secretes the pancreatic juice, which re- 
 sembles the saliva. "When this juice is mixed with 
 amylaceous matters, it converts them into dextrin 
 and glucose. Its great function appears, however, 
 to be to emulsify fatty matters by virtue of a 
 peculiar albuminoid principle, pancreatin, which it 
 contains, and is coagulable by heat or alcohol. It 
 also dissolves albuminous substances. The pan- 
 creatic juice of the pig has been given in the form 
 of emulsion with the fat of beef stirred in milk to 
 consumptive patients, and an emulsion with cod- 
 liver oil is similarly prescribed. The diseases of 
 this organ do not manifest their presence by plain 
 or intelligible signs ; it is only after death that we 
 discover them. 
 
56 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 The Spleen. 
 
 The only disease of any consequence that affects 
 this organ is called splenic apoplexy, the conside- 
 ration of which we will enter into when we describe 
 the Blood- diseases. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 
 
 Respiration is a function proper to all animals, 
 the object of which is to bring the materials of the 
 blood — the mixture of the venous blood with lymph 
 and chyle — into contact with the atmospheric air, in 
 order that they may acquire the vivifying qualities 
 which belong to arterial blood. The organs for 
 executing this function are, in the mammalia, birds, 
 and reptiles, the lungs. In man, the respiration 
 consists of mechanical and chemical phenomena. 
 The mechanical are inspiration and expiration; the 
 chemical phenomena consisting in the formation of 
 a certain quantity of carbonic acid, the absorption 
 of a part of the oxygen of the air, and the dis- 
 engagement of a quantity of water in the state of 
 vapour. In the healthy condition the respiration is 
 easy, gentle, regular, and without noise, and in cattle 
 should be from about ten to twelve per minute. 
 
 The air of respiration has been divided into, first, 
 the residual, or that which cannot be expelled from 
 
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. 57 
 
 the lungs, but remains after a full and forcible 
 expiration; secondly, the supplementary or reserve 
 air, or that which can be expelled by a forcible 
 expiration after an ordinary exhaling ; thirdly, the 
 breath, tidal or breathing air ; and, fourthly, the com- 
 plementary or complemental air, or that which can 
 be inhaled after an ordinary inspiration. 
 
 The diseases of the organs of respiration and the 
 air-passages are for the most part inflammatory in 
 their nature, and may affect the parts within the 
 nose separately or collectively. When it affects the 
 nose, it is called catarrh ; when the pharynx, it is 
 termed pharyngitis ; when the larynx, laryngitis. 
 These diseases may occur separately, but they are, 
 as a rule, found collectively. Thus, in simple catarrh 
 we generally have the larynx and pharynx impli- 
 cated. The inflammation, however, does not content 
 itself by remaining in these organs, but descends 
 into the bronchial tubes, thus producing bronchitis. 
 When it attacks the lung substance it is termed 
 pneumonia; but when the covering membrane of 
 the lungs is only affected, it is called pleurisy. It 
 is an established fact that inflammation has always 
 a tendency to descend, the reason being that the 
 same membrane lines the whole passage. 
 
 By an epizootic disease is meant a disease that 
 prevails in a country or certain portions of a country 
 at the same time, and may appear at any season. 
 It is the same in nature as an epidemic in man, 
 
58 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 those animals that are of a weak constitution being 
 more liable to attack. In all epizootic diseases the 
 weakest are the first attacked ; what benefit, then, 
 can be acquired from depletion ? Instead of this, 
 we should use every exertion to assist nature to 
 overcome the diseases. 
 
 The inflammatory diseases that affect these organs 
 are of two distinct kinds ; namely, one which is 
 characterised by highly irritative fever; the other 
 is of a typhoid or debilitating nature. The former 
 is brought on by accidental causes — such as over- 
 driving, exposure, or in twenty other different ways ; 
 the latter by epizootic causes which we cannot ac- 
 count for. At the same time almost all epizootic 
 diseases are accompanied by fever of a typhoid 
 nature. These are facts well worthy of remem- 
 brance. 
 
 The general causes of inflammatory disease in the 
 respiratory organs are, then, simple and typhoid in 
 their nature. The same causes will, however, pro- 
 duce different diseases in different animals — in some, 
 throat affections; others, bronchitis; others, pleurisy; 
 and others, pneumonia. This is due entirely to the 
 varied constitutions of the animals. These facts 
 bring us to the conclusion that there is among 
 cattle a dissimilarity of constitution, which so modi- 
 fies these causes that different effects result. 
 
 Again, whenever diseases of the air-passages and 
 lungs assume an epizootic form, they become more 
 
CATARRH, OE COMMON COLD. 59 
 
 and more typhoid in their character in proportion 
 to their prevalence. 
 
 Again, many of these diseases exhibit similar 
 signs, which require to be very carefully watched 
 and intelligently noticed in order that we may 
 arrive at a correct diagnosis as to the seat of the 
 complaint. Thus, in catarrh, the cough is loud and 
 coarse, and accompanied or followed by sneezing. 
 In bronchitis the cough is shorter, more sudden, and 
 painful, while the frequency and state of the respi- 
 rations must also be considered. If they are hurried, 
 it indicates some interference in the oxidation of the 
 blood; this is also accompanied by sounds which 
 have to be distinguished by the ear in order properly 
 to understand them. 
 
 Catarrh, or Common Cold, 
 
 consists in inflammation in the upper parts of the 
 mucous membrane of the nose and throat. It is com- 
 monly an affection of but little consequence in its 
 simple form, but is apt to relapse and become 
 chronic. Catarrh is characterised by cough, thirst, 
 lassitude, fever, watery eyes, with increased secre- 
 tion of mucus from the air-passages. Cold air or 
 any sudden change of temperature induces sneezing 
 and coughing ; the animal becomes dull and refuses 
 to feed ; difficulty in swallowing ensues ; breathing 
 and pulse get hurried ; there is congestion of the 
 capillary blood-vessels, which become dilated, the 
 
60 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 blood now flowing sluggishly through them ; the 
 redness increases ; mouth hot and muzzle dry ; urine 
 scanty and high-coloured ; bowels constipated ; faeces 
 hard and glazed ; irregularity of the temperature of 
 the body ; ears and horns cold and hot alternately ; 
 legs in the same condition ; cough easily excited. 
 
 Treatment. — In the simple form, the duration is 
 from three days to a week. Allow plenty of pure 
 fresh air ; clothe the body according to the season of 
 the year, and make the patient otherwise as comfort- 
 able as you possibly can: put nitre in the water 
 given as drink ; steam the head and throat. As a 
 rule, this is all that will be required. 
 
 Laryngitis, or Inflammation of the Larynx. 
 
 This organ, properly speaking, is the voice appa- 
 ratus, and is situated at the upper part of the wind- 
 pipe, with which it communicates. It is moved by 
 a number of muscles, and lined by a mucous mem- 
 brane having certain membranous reflexions, consti- 
 tuting the superior and inferior ligaments of the 
 glottis. The larynx is destined to give passage to 
 air in the act of respiration, and to impress upon 
 it certain modifications. Its dimensions vary in 
 different animals. The pathological changes that 
 take place in this ailment are congestion, then exuda- 
 tion leading to effusion ; this causes a muco-purulent 
 discharge, which proceeds from the nostrils, and is 
 of a deepish yellow or greenish colour, thick and 
 
THE TRACHEA, OK WINDPIPE, 61 
 
 void of odour ; the head is kept in a fixed straight 
 line, as movement causes pain. The patient will not 
 partake of food ; the cough is harsh and husky ; the 
 respiration is not much interfered with, but the 
 pulse may be weak. The duration of the disease is 
 generally about thirteen or fourteen days, when the 
 patient generally recovers. A cough, however, is 
 often left,, after all the other symptoms have dis- 
 appeared, which is liable to become chronic. 
 
 Treatment. — Attend to the diet in the first stages ; 
 give sloppy food of a good supporting nature, with 
 nitre and tartar-emetic ; steam the head and throat 
 well, and give belladonna and nitre, of each one 
 drachm, night and morning. Should the cough con- 
 tinue, either insert a seton between the lower jaws 
 or apply an active blister. 
 
 The- Trachea, or Windpipe, 
 
 is a cylindrical fibro-cartilaginous and membranous 
 tube, which runs from the larynx to the lungs, 
 where it divides into two branches, called the 
 bronchia? : these separate, one proceeding to the 
 right lung and the other to the left. The function 
 of this pipe is to convey air to the lungs. It is also 
 liable to inflammation, which may consist in an 
 extension of the disease affecting the throat. The 
 symptoms and treatment are much the same as for 
 laryngitis. 
 
62 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Bronchitis, or Inflammation of the Bronchial 
 Tubes, 
 
 is a common and likewise serious disease. Some 
 cases of inflammation of the lungs are accompanied 
 by it, and vice versa. This is often observed in cases 
 of bronchitis terminating in inflammation or pneu- 
 monia, although it may exist as an independent 
 disease, which may be contracted either through 
 epizootic or accidental causes. "When by the for- 
 mer, it is accompanied by intense prostration ; but 
 if arising from the latter, the prostration is not so 
 great. 
 
 In bronchitis the mucous membranes of all the 
 tubes are inflamed, though this seems to originate 
 in the two primary ones. As a consequence of this 
 inflammatory process, lymph is formed, and some- 
 times pus, accompanied by a great amount of mucus. 
 The air passing downwards becomes mixed with 
 it, hence the frothy appearance which it always 
 presents. 
 
 You will now perceive that this collection of fluid 
 in the air-tubes must impede the current of air : 
 as a result, the blood cannot be purified as before ; 
 this hastens debility. In fact, the strength of the 
 animal depends upon the free passage of pure air 
 into the lungs for the purification of the blood. 
 When blood is propelled by the heart to the lungs, 
 it is for the express purpose of having it purified, 
 
BRONCHITIS. 63 
 
 and unless it is purified it stops there ; hence the . 
 origin of congestion of the lungs. 
 
 Symptoms of bronchitis are invariably ushered in 
 by a cough, which is short, dry, and husky; this gra- 
 dually becomes prolonged, hoarse, and painful. The 
 animal tries to close its mouth in order to prevent 
 the coughing. Sympathetic fever present; mouth and 
 muzzle hot and dry ; ears, horns, and legs alternately 
 hot and cold ; pulse soft and compressible ; respira- 
 tion quickened and shallow, from twenty-three to 
 thirty per minute. If you place your ear to the 
 side of the chest just behind the shoulder-blade, you 
 will hear the air passing into the lungs, giving a 
 sound as of a gentle breeze if the animal is healthy; 
 but in bronchitis the passage of air is obstructed by 
 the accumulation of mucus. The patient never at- 
 tempts to eat, but will endeavour to drink; this 
 always excites cough. He rarely lies down, and the 
 faeces are hard and glazy. The urine is scanty and 
 high-coloured. Death may occur in three or four 
 days, but as a rule he recovers in about three or four 
 weeks. 
 
 Treatment.— Eemove the patient into a cool house 
 apart from other animals, then clothe the body and 
 bandage the legs. Administer two ounces of sweet 
 nitre with ten drops of Fleming's tincture of acon- 
 ite three times a day. Apply hot fomentations 
 to the sides and chest. If the cough is harassing, 
 give belladonna, one drachm, three times a day. 
 
64 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Stimulants are very useful, and ought to be em- 
 ployed say twice daily. Should bronchitis run on 
 to pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs, there 
 is little hope of recovery. 
 
 Hoose in Calves. 
 
 This disease is dependent upon the presence in 
 the lower parts of the bronchial tube of small thread- 
 like worms, called Filaria bronchialis. 
 
 Parasites are plants which attach themselves to 
 other plants, and animals which live, in or on the 
 bodies of other animals, so as to subsist at their 
 expense. They are common in autumn, sometimes 
 in spring, and abound in old low-lying pastures 
 in the Midland and Southern Counties of England. 
 They are also found in woods where the herbage is 
 coarse and the drainage bad. Calves are subject 
 to this disease up to one year old, but rarely suffer 
 from it when fed on young grasses, it being in the 
 rough grass that the ova find shelter. They are 
 then taken up with the food and transmitted 
 through the circulation to the lungs, where they 
 claim a special habitation ; here they are developed. 
 They do not, however, produce inflammation, but 
 they obstruct the egress and ingress of air. 
 
 The Symptoms are seldom developed suddenly. 
 The animal appears not to be thriving; there is 
 frequent cough, which increases in severity, being 
 always worst when the animal is thirsty or moved 
 
HOOSE IN CALVES. 65 
 
 about. This causes great distress and difficulty in 
 breathing, accompanied with general dulness. The 
 appetite becomes impaired or entirely lost; the 
 animal loses condition; separates itself from the 
 rest; stands with its back arched; heaving at the 
 flanks. Owing to impaired respiration, the blood 
 cannot be properly purified. The result is total de- 
 bility, and death in about a week or a fortnight. 
 
 Treatment. — Some people administer medicines by 
 the nose, thinking it must have an efficacious effect 
 upon the worms in the lungs. I have seen the ex- 
 periment tried by a quack professor, who not only 
 succeeded in terminating the parasites' existence, but 
 effectually relieved the poor calf from its troubles 
 in about twenty minutes by choking it. You may 
 employ inhalations of chlorine gas, but half an 
 ounce of turpentine in three or four ounces of cas- 
 tor-oil for a calf six months old, given in the morn- 
 ing when the animal is fasting, and repeated every 
 two or three days until the cough ceases, will gene- 
 rally be all that is required. The turpentine, being 
 volatile, is readily absorbed by the blood, and is then 
 carried into the lungs, where it exercises a fatal 
 influence upon the worms. What becomes of these 
 parasites after they are dead is not well known. 
 They are either coughed up or become absorbed by 
 the blood. Attend to the animal's comfort, giving 
 easily digested food, along with an allowance of good 
 oil-cake. 
 
 E 
 
66 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Structure of the Lungs. 
 
 The lungs of quadrupeds have a very complicated 
 structure. In fact, it may be looked upon as not 
 only one lung, but thousands assembled together. 
 One lobule possesses the same structure as the 
 whole lung of a frog. It is simply a sac into which 
 the bronchi open. The anterior portion presents 
 dilatations, and is more vascular than the posterior, 
 which is round. These dilatations are not true cells, 
 but open spaces which increase the area of the 
 lungs, and therefore increase the space for the 
 blood-vessels to ramify, thus facilitating the inter- 
 change of gases from the blood-vessels and inspired 
 air. The common cavity into which the bronchi 
 open is called the vestibule or infundibulum, while 
 all the cells in the vestibule communicate freely 
 with one another. 
 
 The air-cells have a basement membrane, and are 
 covered by a layer of ciliated epithelium, which is 
 very fine, for the interchange of air. The shape of 
 the air-cells varies, the general form being irregular. 
 The lungs consist entirely of fine elastic tissue, with 
 a small proportion of areolar tissue ; between these 
 coverings, then, and the lobules is a rich plexus of 
 blood-vessels. The lungs are supplied with blood 
 directly from the heart in the first instance, for the 
 double purpose of purifying the fluid and nourishing 
 those organs. Physiologists have given the term 
 
PNEUMONIA. 67 
 
 " circulation " to the motion of the blood through the 
 different vessels of the body, — to that function by 
 which the blood, setting out from the left ventricle 
 of the heart by its impulse, is distributed to every 
 part of the body by the arteries and on through the 
 capillaries, returning to the heart by the veins. All 
 animals intended bythe Great Constructor for active 
 exertion possess large lungs in proportion to their 
 body. In the cow these organs are of a whitish 
 colour, and in the calf grey. Investing the lungs 
 we have two diaphanous perspirable membranes 
 called the pleurae, which line each side of the chest, 
 and are reflected thence upon each lung. Like other 
 serous membranes (to which class they belong), 
 each represents a sac without an aperture. That 
 portion of the pleurse which lines the parietes of the 
 chest is called pleura eostalis, and that portion which 
 covers the lungs is called pleura pulmonalis. 
 
 Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs. 
 
 In health the lungs are highly elastic, and when 
 put into water they float, crepitating when pressed 
 between the finger and thumb. In pneumonia the 
 state of the lungs ia the reverse of what they are in 
 health ; their substance becomes of a reddish-brown 
 colour, ultimately changing to grey, and when put 
 into water will sink. 
 
 Pathological Appearances.— -First, in the scarlet stage 
 there is a period of increased vascularity ; this is 
 
b» DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 called the period of congestion, or sanguineous en- 
 gorgement. Secondly, when the disease is fully con- 
 firmed, the lungs are of a reddish-brown colour, and 
 sink in water ; this is called the stage of red hepatisa- 
 tion. The third and last stage is called grey hepat- 
 isation, when the lungs are denser and more solid. 
 These three stages are often found existing in one 
 lung at the same time, the lowest part of the lung 
 being usually the worst. Pneumonia does not always 
 attack both lungs at once ; the right lung, as a rule, 
 is invariably the one affected first, but in all severe 
 cases they are both implicated. The question may 
 here be asked, How does this occur ? But it is one 
 not easily answered. The right lung, of course, is 
 larger, contains more air, and consequently has more 
 blood-vessels than the left one. Why pneumonia 
 should select this lung first fbr attack, I am unable 
 to explain. It is the same in pleurisy. 
 
 The causes that are in operation to produce this 
 disease are similar to those which bring on catarrh, 
 as inflammation has always a tendency to descend. 
 Pneumonia is, therefore, caused by any irritating 
 matter passing down the bronchial tubes into the 
 lung substance. It is ushered in first by a shivering 
 fit, more or less violent according to the nature of 
 the attack ; the breathing becomes accelerated and 
 laborious, the mouth hot and dry, and the mucous 
 membranes red and congested. Cough is not an 
 invariable symptom, but when it is present it is full 
 
PNEUMONIA. 69 
 
 and free, and not so painful as it is in bronchitis. 
 If both lungs are attacked, the inflammation is 
 generally posteriorly; but if only one lung be 
 affected, it may be inflamed throughout its whole 
 extent. The expired air will feel warmer; the 
 breathing becomes heavy and laboured ; coldness of 
 all the extremities then sets in, while the body 
 is often bedewed with perspiration. On examina- 
 tion with your ear at the side, you will hear a 
 peculiar crepitating sound; this may be succeeded 
 shortly by a rasping, rumbling noise. The affected 
 portion of the lung now becomes consolidated, when 
 the respiratory murmur ceases, and on percussion or 
 tapping the side with your hand a dull sound is 
 produced. 
 
 This disease may terminate in resolution or re- 
 covery, and the patient be , convalescent in the 
 second week; but in unfavourable cases, where 
 death occurs, this event may take place in about 
 twelve or fourteen days from the commencement of 
 the attack. 
 
 The Post-mortem Appearances reveal the fact that 
 the lungs are completely hepatised, or converted into 
 a liver-like substance. They have become engorged 
 with effused matters, so that they are no longer per- 
 vious to the air ; and are now said to be hepatised, 
 which is the final stage of pneumonia. 
 
 Treatment. — The immediate and constant appli- 
 cation of hot fomentations is positively essential. 
 
70 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Let these be applied without intermission if you 
 desire the patient's recovery. If the pulse is active 
 and feverish, as in all probability it will be, give 
 fourteen drops of Fleming's tincture of aconite, re- 
 peated at intervals of two hours, until the mouth be- 
 comes moist and cool. No advantage will be derived 
 from exposing the animal to intense cold pure air. 
 Clothe the body and bandage the limbs, which ought 
 to be well hand-rubbed before you apply the band- 
 ages, in order to assist the restoration of the circula- 
 tion to these parts. Should the patient's thirst be 
 great, mix nitre with the water given to drink. This 
 prevents the blood from coagulating and dissolves the 
 fibrin. As a most important part of the treatment, 
 give stimulants and food of an easily digestible 
 nature. When the inflammatory process has sub- 
 sided, give mineral and vegetable tonics. 
 
 Abscesses in the Lungs 
 
 may occur as a result of bronchitis or pneumonia. 
 That part of the lung surrounding the abscess is 
 clean and healthy; the bronchial tubes may com- 
 municate with it, when its contents are thrown up. 
 The animal does not thrive ; there is a cough pre- 
 sent, while the skin is usually hide-bound, with a 
 disagreeable fetid breath. The patient has no appe- 
 tite, and ultimately dies. Treatment, none avail- 
 able. 
 
PLEURISY. 71 
 
 Pleurisy, or Inflammation of the Pleurae. 
 
 As already stated, the pleura covers the lungs 
 and lines the inside of the chest. It is a serous 
 membrane, secreting serum, not mucus ; is much 
 thinner than a mucous membrane, and, like it, con- 
 sists of several parts. 
 
 First, we have a layer of epithelial scales. 
 
 Secondly, there is a limitary membrane, which 
 is very thin. 
 
 Thirdly, the sub-pleural or fibrous tissue contains 
 no follicles or villi, like the mucous membrane. 
 
 A serous membrane has a more mechanical func- 
 tion to fulfil than a mucous membrane ; it secretes 
 a fluid to prevent friction. 
 
 Now, in a state of health the lungs are continually 
 rubbing against the ribs ; this friction, however, is 
 not felt, as the parts are all kept moist. The pleura 
 of an old animal is as smooth and bright as that of 
 a young one. 
 
 Pleurisy is a common disease in all animals that 
 we have to do with. We may have it independently 
 of any other complaint, yet it is often combined 
 with pneumonia, and vice versd. 
 
 It is a disease in which the inflammatory process 
 is very distinctly marked. I think no disease is 
 better defined than this one, for in all cases there 
 is a structural change corresponding to the intensity 
 of the inflammation. "When exudation takes place, 
 
72 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 lymph collects on the surface. This exudation is 
 most copious on the pleura covering the ribs and 
 the diaphragm, — sometimes half an inch thick, get- 
 ting gradually less as we proceed to the back. 
 
 Pleurisy mostly begins in the costal region, at 
 its lower surface, extending upwards. This disease 
 attacks both sides, but has a preference, like pneu- 
 monia, for the right one, which is generally the 
 worst. It frequently causes death in cattle when 
 only one side is affected. 
 
 The Morbid Changes of Pleurisy. 
 
 First, we have the membrane reddened ; a small 
 patch on the lower surface of the pleura appears; 
 this expands upwards. Succeeding this we have 
 exudation, causing a thickening of the membrane on 
 its surface, the consequence of which is that the 
 pleura looks thick, muddy, and rough. If this exu- 
 dation is rubbed off, the redness in the sub-pleural 
 or fibrous texture is plainly seen through the limi- 
 tary membrane. 
 
 This collection of lymph necessarily causes the 
 pleurae to be rough, and when they rub one against 
 the other, a sharp, darting pain is produced. This 
 stage may be reached in from six to eight hours. 
 
 When the disease is prolonged, the exudation be- 
 comes more and more abundant, the result being 
 that we have a quantity of water collecting in the 
 chest ; and as this liquid always seeks its own level, 
 
THE MORBID CHANGES OF PLEURISY. 73 
 
 it sinks to the floor of the chest, filling up the vacant 
 cavity. 
 
 The lungs now float upon this fluid, and as it 
 accumulates it prevents them from expanding. An 
 idea may be formed as to this feature of the disease 
 when I state that twelve gallons of water have been 
 taken from the chest of one animal. 
 
 It not unfrequently happens that when an animal 
 is tapped no water makes its appearance. This is 
 most likely due to the lymph being in great abun- 
 dance. I have known cases of pneumonia mistaken 
 for pleurisy, the patient being tapped for water when 
 none was present. 
 
 Symptoms. — First, it may be remarked that pleu- 
 risy is far more painful than pneumonia, there- 
 fore we have more fever. The reason of this in- 
 creased pain is, that iu pleurisy the inflamed parts 
 cannot expand like the lungs, but are put on their 
 utmost stretch. This disease is often announced by 
 a shivering fit, caused by a determination of blood 
 inwardly. When this fit passes off, inflammatory 
 fever commences, and the patient begins to blow. 
 Sometimes griping pains are manifested. At the 
 beginning of an attack we cannot tell whether it 
 is to be a case of pneumonia or pleurisy. In a 
 few hours, however, the distinct symptoms show 
 themselves, when there can no longer be any mis- 
 take. 
 
 There may or may not be a cough at first ; the 
 
74 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 breathing is quick and laboured in a peculiar way, 
 and the inspiration rather ■ prolonged, or doubled. 
 This is distinctly seen in genuine cases. If it is 
 not prolonged, it will be interrupted and catching : 
 this is due to the patient stretching his lungs as 
 slowly as possible, in order prevent pain. 
 
 Then another prominent symptom appears, which 
 is shown by a muscular ridge extending along the 
 ends of the ribs to the flank, while the belly is tucked 
 up. The cause of this ridge is owing to the animal, 
 in breathing, keeping his ribs stationary. He is 
 afraid to move them, so the abdominal muscles are 
 brought into action in order to prevent the pain. 
 The pulse is quick, small, hard, and wiry, seeming 
 to throw your finger off the artery. There is great 
 irritative fever, accompanied by obstruction of the 
 lungs. These are obvious signs in all cases of 
 pleurisy. In addition to these we shall enumerate 
 others. If you place your ear to the right side, you 
 hear in the very early stage a creaking sound. In 
 the second stage a rubbing sound is heard, showing 
 that the two roughened surfaces of the pleurae are 
 rubbing one against the other. If you apply pres- 
 sure between the ribs with your finger, it causes great- 
 pain. The animal turns unwillingly, and in doing 
 so utters an agonised grunt. The patient frequently 
 looks to his side, endeavouring to direct your atten- 
 tion to the seat of the disease by touching it with 
 his nose : this is a silent but forcible appeal for help, 
 
THE MORBID CHANGES OF PLEURISY. 75 
 
 and not easily withstood. He will also stand with 
 his nose outstretched, having a sinking eye and 
 drooping head. 
 
 If there is a mitigation of the symptoms about 
 the third or fourth day in pneumonia, it is a good 
 sign ; but in pleurisy we frequently find the patient 
 suddenly looking very lively just about this period. 
 The fever and breathing are not so intense ; the 
 coat looks better, smooth and glossy ; therefore we 
 are apt to be misled. There is one sign, however, 
 that never deceives us, and that is the pulse : if the 
 pulse be quicker and softer, the animal is not better, 
 but worse. By this time the inflammation has 
 extended over a great amount of surface, and the 
 quickened and soft pulse proves that the vessels 
 are relieved by exudation, which speedily tells upon 
 the system at large. This is the time to make use 
 of your ears by applying them to the patient's sides 
 and noting the different sounds. By-and-by the 
 breathing gets quicker and shallower, the air seem- 
 ing to go less into the chest ; heaving at the flanks 
 becomes more pronounced. The eye now looks pearly 
 bright and the skin glossy, with a peculiar wasting 
 away of the muscles over the surface of the ribs. 
 
 No one can be deceived by such symptoms as 
 these, even if he pay no attention to the pulse. 
 Every day the exudation increases as the disease 
 progresses, until at last we scarcely hear any respira- 
 tory murmur at all. The breathing now becomes 
 
76 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 more and more rapid, and superficial dropsy under 
 the abdomen takes place. 
 
 On percussion, dulness is observed as high as the 
 water has reached ; in this stage both sides are sure 
 to be affected, but the water will not be on a level 
 in either side, as in the horse, unless the whole 
 pleura is implicated. There is also a gurgling sound, 
 but it is not to be relied upon, for we have it occur- 
 ring in pneumonia. Some authors class this as a 
 first-rate symptom, but it is well known that a 
 sound can never be generated without air being in the 
 chest. This may be shown by placing a bell in a jar, 
 when you will be surprised that no sound is heard 
 if you first exhaust the air in it by an air-pump. 
 
 Favourable signs are, the pulse losing its wiry 
 tone and getting slower towards the fourth or fifth 
 day ; we may then entertain hopes of recovery, for 
 the breathing is getting deeper and the fever less. 
 Often after an attack of pleurisy we find adhesions 
 taking place between the lungs and pleura of the 
 chest; but this does not cause much harm unless 
 the adhesions are large. At other times, collections 
 of white spots are formed on the costal pleura. 
 
 This disease, then, on the whole, is more fatal than 
 pneumonia, unless proper remedies are applied in 
 the very early stage; if it gets beyond that, it is 
 very difficult to manage. 
 
 Treatment in every way similar to pneumonia. 
 Some approve of the tapping remedy, others do not. 
 
PLEUKO-PNEUMONIA. 77 
 
 I have never seen any good results follow from its 
 adoption. 
 
 When pleurisy destroys life, it effects this by 
 copious exudation. If this exudation is only about 
 one-third the depth of the chest, the water can be 
 absorbed by giving tonics and diuretics ; but when 
 the liquid extends half-way, little more can be done 
 except tapping, which is very unlikely to succeed. 
 
 Pleuro-Pneumonia. 
 
 This disease is very common. It occurs in all 
 kinds of cattle, and at all ages. It is a peculiarly 
 inflammatory disease of a low typhoid character, 
 and affects the upper lobules of the lungs first. All 
 authorities are now agreed as to the contagious 
 nature it possesses. The definition of contagion may 
 be summed up as the transmission of a disease from 
 one affected person or animal to another by direct or 
 indirect contact. This term has also been applied 
 by some to the action of miasmata arising from 
 dead animal or vegetable matter, &c, but in this 
 sense it is now abandoned. Contagious diseases are 
 produced either by a virus capable of originating 
 them by inoculation, as in small-pox, cow-pox, hydro- 
 phobia, &c. ; or by miasmata proceeding from a sick 
 individual, as in plague, typhus fever, measles, or 
 scarlatina. However, medical men are by no means 
 unanimous in deciding which diseases are contagious 
 and which are not. It seems probable that a disease 
 
78 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 may be contagious under certain conditions and cir- 
 cumstances, and not under others. A case of com- 
 mon fever arising from ordinary causes, such as 
 cold, if the patient be kept in a close, foul, ill-ven- 
 tilated situation, may be converted into a disease 
 capable of producing emanations which may excite 
 a similar disease in those exposed to them. Con- 
 tagion and infection are generally esteemed the 
 same. Frequently, however, the former is applied 
 to diseases not produced by contact, as measles, 
 scarlet fever, &c. ; while infection is used for those 
 that require positive contact to reproduce them, such 
 as itch, skin ' diseases, &c. ; and conversely, diseases 
 which cannot be produced in any other way than 
 by contagion are said to , have their origin in specific 
 contagion; and those which are produced by. conta- 
 gion, and yet are supposed to be sometimes owing 
 to other causes, are said to arise from common 
 contagion. 
 
 A few years ago it was believed that pleuro-pneu- 
 monia never appeared in home-bred cattle. Some 
 say it is due to atmospheric influences ; others again 
 declare that it is caused by bad ventilation, exposure 
 to draughts, &c, the affected animals having a pre- 
 disposition to take it. Others think it an epizootic 
 brought on by contagion, favoured by exciting or 
 predisposing causes ; with which theory I entirely 
 agree. 
 
 Pleuro-pneumonia has attacked cattle from time 
 
PLEUROPNEUMONIA. 79 
 
 immemorial. It is believed to be the same disease 
 that prevailed in the year 1693. It was imported 
 into this country from Holland in the year 1842, 
 spreading rapidly throughout the whole kingdom. 
 Some declared that it assumed two forms, simple 
 or non-contagious and contagious. It is a low 
 typhoid disease, in which lymph is thrown out in 
 considerable quantity, the exudation assuming the 
 form of pus corpuscles, when interlobular pneumonia 
 begins simultaneously. The inflammation extends 
 to the parenchyma, and runs three or four stages. 
 In the first place, there is passive congestion, in 
 which the veins become congested. This is followed 
 by an inflammatory exudation and formation of 
 lymph. Succeeding this we have hepatisation, or 
 that condition of the lungs in which they are gorged 
 with effused matters. As the disease progresses, a 
 fluid is exuded and taken up by the capillaries ; the 
 blood in these vessels becomes decomposed, and 
 black spots begin to be observed in the surrounding 
 tissues. As the disease advances the lungs become 
 heavy and gangrenous. If you cut the diseased 
 lung through in the third stage, the whole of the 
 organ will be found diseased. If in the second stage, 
 one-half will be found in the same condition ; and if 
 in the first stage, the upper border only is implicated; 
 this shows plainly enough that the disease com- 
 mences in this portion of the lung. The pleura 
 pulmonalis, being also involved, rubs against the 
 
80 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 opposing pleura during respiration, producing that 
 peculiar sound which is heard by placing your ear 
 to the animal's side. In milk-cows the udder and 
 teats are painful to the touch, and the milk, if any, 
 of a frothy nature ; there is a short, shallow, painful 
 cough; breathing quickened; pulse quick, small, 
 and weak ; the nose is poked out ; the nostrils dis- 
 tended and drawn up; the muzzle dry; appetite 
 suspended; secretion of milk fails; lastly, the 
 characteristic unmistakable grunt is given forth, 
 which when once you hear you will never forget. 
 The back is arched.; the coat rough and staring ; 
 eyes prominent and bright, but towards the ter- 
 mination of the disease they are shallow and sunk ; 
 wasting of the muscles along the sides ; hide-bound ; 
 horns, ears, and legs cold ; heaving or lifting at the 
 flanks; and generally diarrhoea in the later stages, 
 the fseces having a very fetid smell, death occurring 
 from want of oxygen. 
 
 Terminations are recovery, or sloughing and death. 
 When an animal seems to recover, and afterwards 
 dies of another disease, the lungs are found hardened 
 and solidified; therefore it cannot be regarded as true 
 recovery. 
 
 Treatment. — According to the Act, we are not at 
 liberty to treat this disease, and there can be no 
 doubt that the stamping- out process is the best 
 remedy for such a contagious affection. 
 
TUBEKCULOSIS. 81 
 
 Tuberculosis. 
 
 Tubercle is a tumour arising in the substance of 
 any organ. In pathological anatomy, the term is 
 generally given to a species of degeneration which 
 consists of an opaque matter of a pale yellow colour, 
 having in its crude condition a consistence analogous 
 to that of concrete albumen. It subsequently be- 
 comes soft and friable, and gradually acquires a con- 
 sistence and appearance similar to those of pus. 
 Tubercles may be developed in different parts of 
 the body; — for example, in the. tissue of the alimen- 
 tary canal ; in serous structures, as the pleurae, 
 peritoneum, and arachnoid; in the liver, kidneys, 
 spleen, and lungs; but they are most frequently 
 observed in the lungs and mesentery. 
 
 Some authors class tubercles among the accidental 
 tissues, which have no resemblance to the natural 
 tissues, and which never exist except in consequence 
 of morbid action. But the prevalent, doctrine at the 
 present day is that they are the products of a scro- 
 fulous degeneration. Tubercle is, in other words, 
 merely a local expression of a constitutional scro- 
 fulous affection. The view has also been held by 
 some writers that tubercle is a degeneration of pre- 
 viously existing structures, whether physiological or 
 pathological ; by others, that it is a morbid exuda- 
 tion, a new formation. Again, according to some 
 authorities, although tubercle is a result of the death 
 
82 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 of healthy or diseased tissues, the local process — 
 tuberculosis — also results in the exudation of a 
 material during a tuberculous inflammation, such 
 material undergoing a kind of organisation, suc- 
 ceeded by death, and by its breaking and shrivel- 
 ling up into a tubercle ; this gradual change being 
 termed " tuberculisation." But tubercle is produced 
 independently of inflammation, although the latter 
 may be excited around a tubercle or a mass of 
 tubercles, and thus promote their further develop- 
 ment, or their progress towards softening and de- 
 struction of structure. When tubercles in any 
 organ are few in number, they may pass to the 
 state of permanent induration without danger to the 
 patient; but when they are very numerous, they 
 usually cause serious mischief. 
 
 Symptoms. — In the early stage we have a simple 
 cough ; dulness ; quick, weak pulse ; gradual emacia- 
 tion ; hide-bound skin, which becomes dry and often 
 infested with parasites ; the cough becomes more 
 painful ; diarrhoea sets in, with watery effusion from 
 the mouth. Cows affected with it yield a large 
 quantity of bluish milk, stand with their back 
 arched, and have a ewe-ne'cked appearance ; appe- 
 tite capricious, while cough becomes continuous. 
 
 Treatment. — Very uncertain. Give food rich in 
 starchy and fatty matters ; generous diet ; comfort- 
 able housing; plenty of fresh air; mineral tonics, 
 lime-water, oil-cakes, &c. 
 
PERICARDITIS. 83 
 
 DISEASES AFFECTING THE CIRCULATORY 
 ORGANS. 
 
 The diseases affecting the heart are distinct and 
 idiopathic, although they acc6mpany, as a rule, 
 rheumatism, distemper, pneumonia, pleuro-pneu- 
 monia, &c. They are, however, of more frequent 
 occurrence in old than in young animals. 
 
 Pericarditis, or Inflammation of the Covering 
 of the Heart. 
 
 This is probably* the proper appellation for most 
 of those cases which have received the names of 
 carditis, cardo-pericarditis, &c. 
 
 This disease is seen in all our domestic animals, 
 and is of more common occurrence in cattle than 
 in the horse. The causes which give rise to it are 
 generally those which produce disease in the respi- 
 ratory organs, such as cold, alteration of the tem- 
 perature, &c. 
 
 The Symptoms are, pulse accelerated and irrita- 
 ble ; great fever and anxiety ; panting ; dulness ; eyes 
 bright and prominent; great unwillingness to move ; 
 the patient exhibits great suffering when you press 
 your finger between the ribs ; distinct vibrating 
 pulsations; limbs, horns, and ears cold. As the 
 disease advances, you can scarcely hear the heart 
 
84 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 beat; on listening, however, you hear a distinct 
 friction-sound, consequently it is often very diffi- 
 cult to decide between this disease and pleurisy. 
 Post-mortem examinations reveal the heart firm and 
 contracted; veins full of dark blood; lungs con- 
 gested ; spots of ecchymosis on the heart's surface, 
 with thickening of the covering membrane and the 
 formation of false ones. 
 
 Treatment. — Give belladonna and digitalis, as these 
 agents tranquillise the heart and diminish the calibre 
 of the blood-vessels, more especially if they are ad- 
 ministered along with salines. Half-drachm doses of 
 either medicine twice a day will be sufficient. Apply 
 mustard embrocations to the chest, hand- rub the legs, 
 and attend to the diet and general comfort. As a 
 sequel we often find 
 
 Hydrops Pericarde, or Dropsy of the 
 Heart's Bag. 
 
 Symptoms. — Small weak pulse, often irregular; 
 heart's beat feebly felt over a large surface; fre- 
 quently diarrhcea and dropsical swellings. 
 
 Treatment. — Give diuretics, tonics, and stimu- 
 lants to support the system, and keep the animal 
 perfectly quiet. 
 
 Dilatation of the Heart 
 
 is found to be an accompaniment of pericarditis, and 
 consists in the softening of the walls of the heart, 
 
ATROPHY OF THE HEART. 85 
 
 the symptoms of which are similar to those charac- 
 teristic of pericarditis. 
 
 Cause. — The heart being called into inordinate 
 action or motion. 
 
 Treatment. — If accompanied by disease of the 
 lungs, give stimulants, diuretics, good food, and 
 fresh air. 
 
 Hypertrophy of the Heart. 
 
 Owing to nutrition being performed with great 
 activity, the heart at length acquires unusual bulk. 
 Hypertrophy is also sometimes used to denote a 
 simple dilatation. 
 
 Symptoms. — The impulse of the heart is greatly 
 increased ; pulse full, strong, and irregular. 
 
 Treatment. — Keep the animal free from excitement 
 and attend to the diet. 
 
 Atrophy of the Heart. 
 
 This is a rare malady, in which the muscles be- 
 come so greatly atrophied that they cannot perform 
 their function. It may take place in one or more of 
 the cavities. It occurs mostly in old animals, and is 
 not very well understood till death occurs. The 
 impulse will be much weaker than when the animal 
 is in health. 
 
 No treatment available. 
 
86 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Fatty Degeneration of the Heart. 
 
 This disease is also commonly met with in old 
 animals, and is an unusual deposition of fat on the 
 heart ; by some presumed occasionally to be a true 
 adipose degeneration of the substance of the heart. 
 
 Symptoms. — Intermittent pulse, great difficulty in 
 moving, palpitation, &c. 
 
 Treatment of little use. 
 
 Rupture of the Heart 
 
 may occur in a healthy as well as in a diseased 
 animal, but it is generally met with in those that 
 suffer from fatty degeneration. It is often the 
 result of over-exertion. 
 No remedy. 
 
 Diseases of the Arteries. 
 
 Aneurism signifies a tumour produced by the dila- 
 tation of an artery; but it has been extended to 
 lesions of arteries as well as to .dilatations of the 
 heart. There are various kinds. The following are 
 the principal disease : — 
 
 First, When the blood which forms the tumour 
 is enclosed within the dilated coats of the artery. 
 This is true aneurism. 
 
 Second, When the blood has escaped from the 
 opened artery, it is called spurious or false aneurism, 
 the latter being divided into three varieties — ist, 
 
DISEASES OF THE VEINS. 87 
 
 Diffused false aneurism, which occurs immediately 
 after the division or rupture of an artery, and con- 
 sists of an extravasation of blood into the areolar 
 texture of the part ; 2d, Circumscribed false aneu- 
 rism, in which the blood issues from the vessel some 
 time after the receipt of the wound, and forms for 
 itself a sac in the neighbouring areolar tissue ; 3d, 
 Aneurism by anastomosis, which may arise from the 
 simultaneous wounding of an artery and a vein, the 
 arterial blood passing into the vein and producing 
 a varicose state of it, or by an increase of arterial 
 tissue and a dilatation and elongation of arteries. 
 The term cirsoid is employed when the trunks of 
 the larger vessels are involved, and aneurism by 
 anastomosis when the smaller vessels and capillaries 
 are affected. 
 
 Aneurisms have also been divided into internal 
 and external. The internal are situated in the great 
 cavities, and occur in the heart and great vessels of 
 the chest, abdomen, &c. Their diagnosis is difficult, 
 and they are inaccessible to treatment. The external 
 aneurisms are situated at the exterior of the head, 
 neck, and limbs, and are distinctly pulsatory. 
 
 Treatment. — Tie the artery where practicable. 
 
 Diseases of the Veins. 
 
 Phlebitis, or inflammation of the veins, is the most 
 common. It sometimes follows the operation of 
 blood-letting, and extends from the small wound 
 
88 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 made in that operation to the neighbouring parts of 
 the venous system. The symptoms are, first, inflam- 
 mation in the punctured part, after which there 
 occurs a knotty, tense, painful Chord, following the 
 direction of the vessel, and accompanied by more 
 or less fever, according to the extent of the inflam- 
 mation. It may terminate by resolution, suppura- 
 tion, ulceration, or gangrene. Sometimes, when a 
 clot forms in a vein, and the vessel becomes per- 
 manently obliterated, the clot and vein ultimately 
 contract so as to form a firm cord ; in this case it 
 constitutes adhesive phlebitis. 
 
 Treatment. — Foment, poultice ; keep the patient 
 quiet, and heal up; give a dose of physic, and 
 attend to the general comfort. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 
 
 These organs comprise the kidneys, bladder, uterus, 
 and urethra. 
 
 The kidneys secrete from the blood the fluid called 
 urine. These organs are situated in the loins, the 
 one on the right being placed a little further forward 
 than that on the left. The kidneys of the ox are less 
 than those of any other animal in proportion to their 
 size. The healthy urine of the ox is alkaline in its 
 action, and when allowed to cool it forms a sedi- 
 ment. The composition of the urine of the ox is 
 
DIABETES. 89 
 
 about 928 parts of water in 1000 parts of urine, the 
 remainder being composed of matters held in solu- 
 tion. This urine is an excrementitial fluid, secreted, 
 as shown above, by the kidneys, and transmitted by 
 them to the ureters, which convey it slowly but in 
 a continuous manner into the bladder, where it re- 
 mains deposited until the uneasiness caused by its 
 accumulation excites a desire to void it. The excre- 
 tion of the fluid takes place through the urethra, 
 and is caused by the united action of the abdominal 
 muscles and diaphragm and the contraction of the 
 fibrous coat of the bladder. 
 
 In all internal diseases appertaining to the ,ox 
 and cow, the kidneys are frequently brought into 
 requisition in order to discharge from, the system 
 the deleterious residue caused by the various com- 
 plaints. 
 
 Diabetes 
 
 is a disease characterised by great augmentation, 
 and often manifest alteration, in the secretion of 
 urine, with excessive thirst and progressive emacia- 
 tion. It may be looked upon simply as a super- 
 abundant discharge of limpid urine. Where the 
 disease is situated is not very clearly defined, but 
 the whole system of nutrition seems to be morbidly 
 implicated. Now this extraordinary discharge must 
 be made at the expense of the system ; but on dis- 
 section no morbid appearance is met with sufficient 
 
90 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 to enable us to fix the seat of this distressing affec- 
 tion. In the human subject all the remedies tried 
 have signally failed. 
 
 Symptoms. — Indigestion ; pulse weak ; great quan- 
 tities of urine voided, which is usually clear; no 
 appetite; hidebound skin; great thirst; dry coat, 
 with great irritation of the urinary and genital 
 organs, accompanied by constipation. 
 
 Treatment. — Change the food entirely, substitut- 
 ing that which is easily digested; give lime-water 
 along with the drinking-water ; also sulphate of iron 
 combined with gentian, and ginger night and morn- 
 ing. If the bowels are costive, give a slight purge 
 in order to move them gently, and keep the patient 
 comfortable. 
 
 Nephritis, or Inflammation of the Kidneys. 
 
 This is a disease of pretty frequent occurrence in 
 the cow. The most common causes that produce it 
 are the abuse of diuretics, blows over the loins, or 
 the presence of a calculus or stone in the kidneys. 
 
 Symptoms. — General sympathetic fever ; pulse full 
 and bounding ; colicky pains ; the animal looks fre- 
 quently round to her flanks ; straddling gait ; scanty 
 discharge of urine, which is voided with great pain, 
 and sometimes tinged with blood ; belly tucked up ; 
 pain across the loins ; pulse weak, and breathing 
 hurried. 
 
 Treatment. — Administer a good purge of linseed 
 
CYSTITIS, OK INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 91 
 
 oil, as it is the best, with aromatics and sedatives. 
 Apply hot fomentations to the region of the loins. 
 If this is impossible, put on a fresh sheepskin. 
 Clothe the body and legs. Allow plenty of car- 
 bonate of soda in the drinking-water, with good 
 sloppy food. 
 
 Hematuria, or Bloody Urine, 
 
 or haemorrhage from the mucous membrane of the 
 urinary passages. Like other haemorrhages, it may 
 be active or passive, and may proceed from the 
 kidneys or the urethra. The essential symptoms 
 are blood evacuated by the urethra, preceded by 
 pain in the region of the bladder or kidneys. The 
 treatment to be adopted must consist of cooling 
 lotions, a mild laxative, and carbonate of soda in the 
 drinking-water. If in much pain, give the patient 
 opium. Absolute repose is strictly enjoined. 
 
 Cystitis, or Inflammation of the Bladder. 
 
 This disease is characterised by a painful dis- 
 charge of urine. It may affect one or all of the 
 membranes of the bladder, but commonly it is con- 
 fined to the mucous coat. In the chronic condition 
 cystitis appears in the form of cystirrhcea. 
 
 Symptoms. — Great pain; urine evacuated fre- 
 quently, often accompanied by diarrhoea ; straddling 
 gait ; and tenderness over the part. 
 
 Treatment. — Sedatives. Put a fresh sheepskin over 
 
92 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 the loins. Give plenty of pure water; in short, 
 follow nearly the same course as is recommended 
 for the other disorders of the urinary organs. 
 
 Rupture of the Bladder 
 
 may be caused by a fall, when of course little or 
 nothing can be done. The bladder is liable to cancer 
 and to calculi, the best treatment for which is to 
 consign the animal to the butcher. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 
 
 Ovarian Dropsy. 
 
 This is a somewhat rare disease in the domestic 
 animals. It is sometimes seen, however, in the cow, 
 but seldom in calves. It consists of a watery effu- 
 sion into the womb. 
 
 Symptoms. — Distension of the abdomen, which 
 may be distinguished by its position from dropsy 
 in the abdomen. It is sometimes mistaken for 
 pregnancy, but may be diagnosed by the absence of 
 the foetus, which can be felt on the right side. 
 
 Treatment. — Diuretics and good food. 
 
 Leucorrhoea, or the Whites. 
 
 This is a disease which affects cows a little after 
 conception, or after parturition. It is a more or 
 less abundant discharge of ■ a white, yellowish, or 
 
INVERSION OF THE UTERUS OR WOMB. 93 
 
 greenish mucus, resulting from acute or chronic 
 inflammation, or from irritation of the membranes 
 lining the genital organs. Leucorrhoea is often at- 
 tended by pain and disordered digestive functions, 
 causing at times the health of the animal to suffer 
 greatly. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a saline purge; inject mild 
 astringent lotions, followed up with tonics. 
 
 Inflammation of the Uterus or Womb 
 
 is mostly seen after calving, where there has been 
 considerable difficulty in getting away the calf. It 
 frequently occurs in young animals after giving 
 birth to their first calf, and is often accompanied by 
 peritonitis. 
 
 Symptoms.^Pvdse quick and wiry ; breathing hur- 
 ried ; the animal staggers ; a. blackened fluid is dis- 
 charged, while the patient utters oft-repeated moans. 
 It is very fatal in cows. 
 
 Treatment. — -Inject tepid water into the womb at 
 intervals. Apply hot cloths wrung out of boiling 
 water. Give digitalis, opium, nitre, and, as recovery 
 advances, good food and tonics. 
 
 Inversion of the Uterus or Womb. 
 
 In this case the womb is turned inside out, which 
 can only happen through want of proper caution. 
 It is a fatal accident unless speedily rectified. This 
 must be done by gradually returning the superior 
 
94 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 part, and elevating the hind legs well. By applying 
 your closed fists get it into its proper situation as 
 quickly as possible. Keep the patient quiet, and give 
 food sparingly. 
 
 Parturition. 
 
 Labour is the necessary consequence of concep- 
 tion, pregnancy, and the completion of gestation, the 
 cause producing this being the contraction of the 
 uterus and abdominal muscles when the natural 
 term has expired. 
 
 The first sign of gestation in the cow is the dis- 
 tension of the abdomen. After the animal has gone 
 some time the calf may be felt by pressing your 
 closed fist into the right side a little above the flank ; 
 also by allowing the animal to drink cold water, 
 when you will notice the calf leap ; also by examina- 
 tion per rectum, when you can feel it with your 
 hand. The secretion of milk becomes arrested about 
 two months or six weeks before calving ; the udder 
 then gradually enlarges, and is filled with colostrum, 
 or the first milk that the udder contains. This 
 fluid possesses more serum and butter and less 
 casein than common milk, and has therefore a 
 laxative effect when the cow is allowed to drink it 
 after calving. The teats get hot, and a relaxation of 
 the ligaments or slipping indicates that delivery is 
 drawing near ; the animal evinces great restlessness, 
 moving about, lying down, and rising up. As the 
 labour pains advance the neck of the uterus becomes 
 
PARTURITION. 95 
 
 dilated, and the external membrane of the foetus is 
 exposed. The animal now stands with the hind 
 limbs apart, the back being arched. The period of 
 gestation in the cow is nine months. In a natural 
 presentation the fore-feet appear first, with the head 
 resting on the knees. On no account be in a hurry 
 to assist a cow when everything is going on well. I 
 well remember an Irishman being interrogated in 
 the following manner : — Question. — " What would 
 you do, providing that everything was going on well, 
 and the calf in its natural position?" Answer. — 
 " Shure I would go into the house and help the man 
 to drink his whisky." There may be no occasion to 
 follow this bibulous gentleman's advice, but you 
 will certainly err on the safe side by allowing the 
 patient her own time. 
 
 There are, however, many and various presentations 
 met with. For example, in twin labour we generally 
 have the first calf in a right position, with the hind- 
 legs of the other presented also ; or you may have 
 the hind -legs of one and the head of the other. 
 Always make yourself certain that you seize the fore- 
 legs and the head of the same calf ; if not, you must 
 adjust them properly. Again, you may have the 
 fore-legs presented and the head turned back on 
 the shoulder, or it may be down between the fore- 
 legs. You may also have the head presented with- 
 out the legs, or it may be a back presentation, or a 
 side one, or a breech one ; in fact, it is astonishing 
 
Vb DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 how various are the attitudes in which they are occa- 
 sionally placed. Sometimes, owing to enlargement, 
 the head cannot be got through the aperture ; in such 
 a case you require to dissect back the skin and re- 
 move it in portions ; and in some cases this method 
 has to be adopted with the whole calf. When you 
 are compelled to resort to this plan, always secure 
 a cord round the liberated skin, so that you can 
 have a pull at it when required. Never neglect 
 to secure by a cord whatever skin is presented. No 
 doubt many of my readers will say this is all very 
 well on paper, but the successful treatment of a 
 difficult case is not so easily accomplished. The 
 writer has encountered almost every conceivable kind 
 of presentation, and has always undertaken with 
 alacrity to do the utmost for the patient. When you 
 have your animal safely delivered, administer a 
 dose of opening medicine. This is a safe practice, 
 and will prevent any pecuniary loss. 
 
 Abortion. 
 
 This is the expulsion of the foetus before the 
 seventh month of utero-gestation, or before it is 
 visible. The causes originate either in the mother 
 or in the calf: those in the mother may be ex- 
 treme debility, plethora, faulty conformation, violent 
 exercise, fright, &c. ; the result in the calf is death, 
 or rupture of the membranes. A cow that has 
 aborted once is liable to do it again, therefore it is 
 better not to run the risk a second time. 
 
PARTURIENT FEVER. 97 
 
 DISEASES AFTER CALVING. 
 
 The diseases that generally affect the cow after 
 calving were wont to he classified under one distinct 
 head ; and even yet many thrust their hasty and 
 ill-timed opinion or verdict upon you with the great- 
 est composure and confidence. Whenever a cow is 
 prostrated after the birth of her calf, the cry is 
 
 Parturient Fever. 
 
 Now I don't dispute the existence of this malady, 
 but it is well that matters of importance should re- 
 ceive their proper appellations. 
 
 The diseases, then, that attack the cow after calv- 
 ing, are, first, parturient fever; secondly, parturient 
 apoplexy ; thirdly, parturient paralysis ; and fourthly, 
 simple milk fever. 
 
 Parturient Fever. — This consists in inflammation 
 of the peritoneum throughout its whole extent, womb 
 and bowels included, accompanied by typhoid fever. 
 It occurs in cows of all ages and under any circum- 
 stances, and generally makes its attack from two to 
 four days after calving. When a week has elapsed, 
 an animal may be said to be safe from this malady. 
 It is, however, of most frequent occurrence in young 
 animals, and usually follows labour in a very short 
 space of time. It is often traceable to exposure, 
 
98 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 and often attacks newly purchased animals that have 
 been driven and knocked about from one place to 
 another without consideration or mercy. How often 
 do we see those poor, exhausted, thirsty, overdriven 
 animals, with the premonitory pains of labour upon 
 them, sink down whenever they enter a friendly 
 abode ! In such cases no wonder the fatality is fre- 
 quent. The animal's vigour, instead of being hus- 
 banded, is exhausted, at the very time when it is of 
 the utmost importance that she should have greater 
 strength. 
 
 Symptoms of this disease are generally ushered in 
 two or three days after calving, and sometimes sooner. 
 The cow gets restless and uneasy; she has no in- 
 clination to eat or to chew the cud. If the milk 
 is scarce, there is great tenderness of the belly and 
 udder. She repeatedly looks round to her flanks, lies 
 down, moans in a painfully expressive manner, 
 stretches out her head, attempts to rise, kicks at her 
 belly with the hind-feet ; great fever ; eyes staring ; 
 ears, horns, and legs cold ; pulse at first strong and 
 distinct, it then rises in number of beats, but dimi- 
 nishes in strength; the breathing is quick and 
 laboured. Finally, she lies with head erect, but re- 
 tains her senses and power of motion until the last. 
 
 Cows may labour under this disease for two or 
 three days ; but, as a rule, it terminates fatally in 
 forty-eight hours. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearances. — Inflammation of the 
 
PARTURIENT FEVER. 99 
 
 uterus or -womb ; both without and within the walls 
 are thickened with mucus, and blackened from «x- 
 travasated blood; the peritoneal surface is wholly 
 inflamed, and the bowels partake more or less of 
 the same nature, and are studded with lymph, which 
 glues their surfaces together. 
 
 Treatment. — If attended to in the early stage, 
 before the symptoms become very acute, there is hope 
 of recovery. A smart active purge must be adminis- 
 tered, one that will go straight to its work, such 
 as one pound of linseed-oil or castor-oil; three or 
 four ounces of tincture of opium; twenty croton 
 beans; or instead of this latter agent, one drachm 
 of calomel. If after several hours the medicine fail 
 to operate, renew the oil and opium ; give also tepid 
 injections with linseed-oil in them ; hot fomentations 
 to the spine ; milk often, and turn her repeatedly 
 if she is unable to do so herself; give also powerful 
 stimulants and linseed-tea; and during convales- 
 cence attend to her general comfort. 
 
 Parturient Apoplexy. — Formerly this name was 
 always, and in fact still is by many, used in ' a re- 
 stricted sense to signify the train of phenomena 
 which characterise cerebral apoplexy. 
 
 Apoplexy and cerebral haemorrhage were for- 
 merly described as synonymous conditions, under 
 the names of cerebral haemorrhage, sanguineous 
 apoplexy, &c, characterised by diminution or loss 
 of sensation and mental manifestation, by the cessa- 
 
100 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 tion, more or less complete, of motion, and by a 
 comatose state, circulation and respiration still con- 
 tinuing. It generally consisted in pressure upon 
 the brain, either from turgescence of vessels or from 
 extravasation of blood. Cerebral apoplexy may 
 occur, however, without any intracranial extravasa- 
 tion of blood, although there is usually partial disease 
 of the cerebral blood-vessels ; and cerebral haemorr- 
 hage may not be attended with apoplectiform pheno- 
 mena. 
 
 Parturient Apoplexy 
 
 denotes a comatose condition, resulting from pres- 
 sure on the brain from any cause within the 
 cranium which tends to produce cerebral congestion, 
 such as the immoderate use of stimulants, degenera- 
 tion of the nervous and vascular structures, and 
 valvular disease of the heart, &c. 
 
 The term congestive' apoplexy has been applied to 
 those cases in which hyperaemia of the brain or its 
 membranes is found after death ; or, in other words, 
 a preternatural accumulation of blood in the capil- 
 lary vessels.- 
 
 Now the longer this disease is in making its appear- 
 ance, there is the more chance of the patient's re- 
 covery. It generally occurs from two to four days 
 after calving ; it never follows abortion, while after 
 the fourth or fifth calf the cow may be said to enjoy 
 immunity from it. It is almost peculiar to well- 
 bred animals and good milkers. It is specially due 
 
PABTURIENT APOPLEXY. 101 
 
 to the larger quantity of blood which was used for 
 the nutriment of the foetus before birth, and which 
 was not directed to the proper place or equally 
 distributed, but has found its way to the brain. The 
 bowels are torpid, the udder does not exercise its 
 proper functions, and the blood that it ought to use 
 is arrested in its course to that part. The urine is 
 suppressed; sluggish, almost imperceptible pulse; 
 suppressed breathing; eyes dull; patient staggers 
 and lies down ; head turned towards the side, with 
 a comatose condition present. 
 
 Treatment. — Administer a brisk active purge fol- 
 lowed up with stimulants. When the medicine has 
 operated, the congested parts are immediately relieved. 
 If the patient has reached the comatose state before 
 any remedy has been given, the case is generally 
 hopeless. Apply cold applications to the head, hot 
 cloths to the back; turn the patient frequently; apply 
 friction to the extremities, putting them into a glow- 
 ing heat, which indicates the return of circulation to 
 those parts. This friction must be kept up. Draw off 
 all milk as it accumulates, relieve the bladder by 
 withdrawing the urine, and make comfortable. 
 
 Prevention. — Keep the cow sparingly, before calv- 
 ing, on easily digested soft food ; if fat, give a good 
 purge, and keep the bowels in a relaxed condition. 
 
 Parturient Paralysis. — Paralysis signifies abolition 
 or great diminution of the voluntary motions, and 
 sometimes cessation in one or more parts of the 
 
102 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 body. It is said to be local when it affects only a 
 few muscles. When it extends to half the body it 
 is termed paraplegia. 
 
 The immediate cause is either by blood effused, or 
 by serum, nervous debility, or by severe straining, 
 &c, at and before calving. The animal loses all con- 
 trol over the hinder extremities. This loss of nervous 
 power is experienced in the bowels as well, hence 
 the great difficulty in getting this function restored. 
 In this disease it signifies little what quantity 
 of medicines you administer so long as the nervous 
 force is suspended, because with this function in 
 absolute repose the organs are lying stationary; 
 therefore, in order to arouse them into action, a 
 powerful stimulant must be given, and repeated at 
 short intervals until the medicine you have admi- 
 nistered in the shape of a purge has acted. Com- 
 bined with whisky, I have attained to great success 
 by the adoption of strychnine in four-grain doses ; 
 but this cannot be long continued, as it is a subtle 
 poison, and must be used with great caution. It may, 
 however, be given with safety twice a day in the 
 above quantities. Apply heat and friction to the 
 back ; and when once the patient regains her feet, 
 you have little more to fear. 
 
 Simple Milk-fever is the last of the series of 
 diseases that imediately attack the cow after calv- 
 ing. It is partly a febrile and partly an inflamma- 
 tory state of the system, the symptoms of which 
 
MAMMITIS. 103 
 
 are tenderness of the udder, breathing accelerated, 
 pulse small and quick, appetite lost. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a saline purge ; apply friction, 
 such as hand-rubbing, to the abdomen and udder, 
 with nitre in the water given to drink ; draw the teats 
 occasionally, and keep her free from cold draughts. 
 
 Mammitis, or Inflammation of the Udder, 
 
 occurs as a sequel to parturition, and is vulgarly 
 termed a weed. It is due either to cold or imperfect 
 milking, and may be divided into two kinds — super- 
 ficial and deep-seated. Superficial mammitis is that 
 form where the skin and mucous membrane only 
 are affected. It is said to be deep-seated when the 
 vascular texture is inflamed. In the first form, the 
 skin is thickened, red, hot, and painful, while it feels 
 as if it were bound tightly to the parts beneath. 
 The gland increases in size, and is very sore to the 
 touch, while the milk diminishes and has a curdled 
 appearance. In the second or deep-seated form we 
 may have two or three quarters affected, and at times 
 even the whole udder, while there are hard nodulated 
 swellings in the loose textures. This form is more 
 difficult to treat. It may be produced by blows, 
 such as kicking, by some inhuman, barbarous, cruel 
 wretch ; or it may be by the reprehensible practice 
 of allowing the poor creature to carry an overloaded 
 udder in order to present a grand show when offered 
 for sale at markets ; or it may be produced by over- 
 
104 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 driving, or badly treated murrain or foot-and-mouth 
 disease. 
 
 Symptoms. — Udder red and swollen, hot and pain- 
 ful; secretion of milk arrested, or nearly so; and 
 when the animal is made to move, she has a peculiar 
 straddling gait. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply hot fomentations, and have a 
 strong bandage made, one that will go right round 
 the loins. Make holes in it, in order to pass the teats 
 through; it should be of sufficient breadth to sup- 
 port the heavy swollen udder. Next get some cotton 
 wool or nice soft tow, which you will require to 
 place between the teats and around the udder. With 
 this soft comfortable bandage applied, the owner 
 will be astonished at the rapid relief manifested by 
 the grateful patient. Give also a dose of laxative 
 medicine, and apply plenty of lard, gently yet firmly 
 rubbed into the udder. If the teats are blocked up 
 with curdled milk or any other obstruction, a siphon 
 will have to be passed, which ought to be well oiled 
 before insertion. Should abscesses exist, they will 
 require to be opened; and when gangrene sets in, 
 as it sometimes does, you must resort to amputation, 
 and dress the wound with the ordinary wound- 
 dressing mixtures, such as carbolic oil, &c. 
 
TETANUS, OR LOCKED-JAW. 105 
 
 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
 
 Tetanus, or Locked -Jaw, 
 
 is so called because it clenches together the jaws. It 
 is a disease of the nervous system, inducing a con- 
 tinued spasmodic contraction of all the voluntary 
 and most of the involuntary muscles of the body. 
 There are few cases in which the muscles about the 
 head and neck are only affected ; when such is the 
 case, it is called Trismus. Tetanus is a disease of 
 more frequent occurrence in the bull than in the 
 cow. 
 
 Symptoms. — These are singularly alike, whether 
 we notice the disease in man, horse, or bull. It 
 occurs under two distinct forms, traumatic and 
 idiopathic. 
 
 By traumatic is meant that kind of tetanus which 
 arises from causes which we can ascertain — such as 
 pricks, outward injuries, &c. 
 
 Idiopathic tetanus is that kind which arises with- 
 out any assignable cause. This distinction, I am 
 afraid, cannot be maintained, for the cogent reasons 
 herewith adduced. As it is now known that these 
 so-called idiopathic cases frequently depend upon 
 some affection of the internal organs, they are, 
 in point of fact, as true traumatic cases as any. 
 
106 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Although we cannot examine the irritated part 
 with the eye during life, we have good reason for 
 saying that the spinal chord itself is generally the 
 part where the mischief commences ; for if we 
 irritate the spinal chord of an animal without pres- 
 sure, we can cause tetanic spasms and symptoms 
 (pressure produces palsy). Then, again, if the spinal 
 chord of a frog be laid bare, and a drop of strychnine 
 be applied, this will produce tetanic symptoms. 
 
 In speaking of strychnine producing tetanus, a 
 German doctor administered nux vomica — which is 
 the active principle of strychnine — to a number of 
 patients, in all of which tetanic symptoms were 
 observed whenever any cold draught assailed them. 
 Again, tetanus is said to be a disease of the brain by 
 some, but this is not the case. We are rather of 
 opinion that it has its origin in that part of the 
 spinal chord contained in the cranium, which is called 
 the medulla oblongata, the spinal chord having a deal 
 to do with regulating the motions of the body. 
 
 Then, again, in tetanus the brain has none of its 
 functions impaired, such as hearing, seeing, smelling, 
 tasting, &c. "We have no reason, therefore, to con- 
 clude that the brain is diseased in consequence of 
 this complaint. We must come to the conclusion 
 that it is a disease of the medulla oblongata, because 
 we can produce tetanic symptoms by applying irri- 
 tation to that organ. 
 
 It is also said to be a disease of the voluntary 
 
TETAKUS, OR LOCKED- JAW. 107 
 
 muscles ; but I think it affects the involuntary ones 
 also. We know how difficult it is to give an injec- 
 tion in this disease, owing to the constricted state 
 of the sphincter ani ; and we also know how difficult 
 it is to get the bowels to open. This arises from 
 the constricted state of the muscular coat of the 
 intestines. The arterial tubes are also involved in 
 the spasms, as they are now known to contain a cer- 
 tain quantity of involuntary muscular fibre, which is 
 supplied by nerves. 
 
 The symptoms generally come on with a gradual 
 accession, taking three or four days before they 
 reach the worst stage. Should they get very severe 
 by the second day, the patient seldom recovers, as 
 the cases which reach their greatest intensity soonest 
 are the worst to cure. 
 
 Tetanus may exist in all degrees of intensity ; so 
 much is this the case that even the thigh-bones in 
 man are known to have been broken by it. This 
 extraordinary rigidity of the muscles also causes the 
 temperature to rise. 
 
 The first symptoms are a general stiffness of the 
 loins, tucked-up belly, hardness of the muscles, and 
 a slight erection of the tail; and in a day or two 
 there is a visible stiffness of the jaws, accompanying 
 which we have an abundant secretion of saliva. The 
 head soon becomes drawn up by the rigidity of the 
 muscles, then the membrane or cartilage of the eye 
 drops down over the greater part of the ball ; and 
 
108 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 when the head is suddenly elevated, this membrane 
 will be seen protruded over the eye. As the disease 
 becomes more aggravated, the hocks are turned out, 
 the limbs stiff both before and behind, and the 
 animal moves as if he were on stilts. The abdominal 
 muscles are tucked up, and the muscles of respira- 
 tion are rigid, causing difficulty in breathing. This 
 also depends upon spasm of the muscles of the 
 larynx. When the disease has attained this stage, 
 the animal betrays great irritability if you approach 
 him. The jaws are quite fixed, the membrane of 
 the nose is reddened, while congestion of the lungs 
 has set in. The nostrils are dilated, obstinate con- 
 stipation is present, and the patient cannot urinate 
 properly. This appears to be the only function in 
 which secretion is not arrested, and he perspires 
 copiously. The state of the pulse is remarkable in 
 the first stage; it is generally "strong, but as the 
 disease advances it becomes oppressed. We can feel 
 a large artery, but no distinct beat. When an animal 
 affected with tetanus lies down he seldom lives long, 
 for he cannot breathe : therefore the longer he stands 
 the longer he lives. Should an animal affected with 
 this disease continue to live for a week or ten days, 
 and by that time his bowels begin to act, he will, as 
 a rule, pull through. But recovery is a slow process, 
 and is always slowest in those cases in which the 
 disease has been most acute, while some animals 
 never recover thoroughly. 
 
TETANUS, OR LOCKED- JAW. 109 
 
 Causes. — We know that many cases arise from 
 wounds, and we also know that irritation of the 
 spinal chord will produce this disease : there is good 
 reason to believe, therefore, that tetanus is caused 
 by nervous or spinal irritation in every case. The 
 majority of cases arise after wounds, but as to the 
 exact time at which it does appear in our patients 
 it is difficult to ascertain. All we know is, that it 
 seems to come on just when the wound is healing, 
 or perhaps has healed, and seems to result from a 
 punctured wound rather than a lacerated one. It 
 is a common notion that it follows wounds of the 
 tendons, which belief has arisen from the fact that 
 punctured wounds are generally below the knee 
 and hock, in the legs or tendinous parts. The 
 sudden action of a draught or cold air is very apt 
 to hasten it. 
 
 The fatality in tetanus is great, for out of a hun- 
 dred animals afflicted, from eighty to ninety will die. 
 
 Some people say that worms cause tetanus by pro- 
 ducing derangement of the digestive system. All I 
 can say is, that on making post-mortem examinations 
 I have failed to trace it to such a cause. 
 
 It is a common disease in hot climates, and is 
 said to destroy a greater number of black people 
 than white. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearances. — These are somewhat 
 variable, yet they show a certain degree of uniformity, 
 for we always find intense congestion of the lungs, and 
 
110 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 from this we are bound to conclude that congestion 
 accelerates death. On examining animals who have 
 died of congestion, we often find them not so much 
 congested as in cases of tetanus; therefore I think 
 it fair and conclusive to assume that it accelerates 
 death. This congestion seems to depend upon 
 the confined action of the muscles of respiration. 
 The spinal chord is also congested. It is a curi- 
 ous fact that the tetanic tension of the muscles 
 disappears soon after death ; but, of course, it will 
 return in time, and then we have the hard firm feel 
 of the muscles. 
 
 Again, rupture of the muscular fibres is frequently- 
 seen, consequently there is extravasation of blood. 
 Sometimes several of the muscles are pale, the blood 
 having been all squeezed out of them. 
 
 Foreign bodies have also been found in the wounds 
 of tetanic patients. In some of these cases the 
 irritation has been traced along the nerve to the 
 spinal chord. 
 
 Treatment. — This disease has been, and still is, 
 treated in all kinds of ways, and a very great deal 
 has been said about it, as it is of such a serious nature. 
 Those cases seem to do best in which we support the 
 system, keeping the animal quiet and the bowels 
 open. Earnest efforts to keep the bowels open by 
 injections, &c, should be persevered in. 
 
 Among the innumerable remedies there is not one 
 that has been so extensively used as opium, and 
 
TETANUS, OR LOCKED-JAW. Ill 
 
 many cases have recovered under the use of this 
 drug. But when we consider the enormous quantity 
 of opium an ox can take without producing any effect, 
 particularly in this disease, one does not feel dis- 
 posed to believe in the efficacy of it ; for it is stated 
 as a fact that in one case a man swallowed two 
 ounces daily for eleven days in succession under 
 tetanic spasms, and in the end died. There is another 
 case on record, that of a man (he was a negro) who 
 took one drachm every three hours for seventeen 
 days. After taking this enormous quantity he re- 
 covered. 
 
 Abernethy once found thirty drachms of undis- 
 solved opium in the stomach of a tetanic patient 
 who had died. Now, if we reflect upon the extra- 
 ordinary quantity a man can take, and compare it 
 with doses that are sometimes recommended for 
 cattle, it compels one to question its efficacy. 
 
 When chloroform and ether were first found to 
 possess a remarkable power of relieving spasms, it 
 was thought they would prove of great benefit in 
 this disease ; and so they have in man, but as yet 
 they have failed in cattle. I have administered 
 chloroform on several occasions, in all of which it 
 suspended the spasms for a time, but' they always 
 returned again. Many think that chloroform would 
 be useful in mitigating the spasms in order to give 
 other medicines ; but although this allows us to open 
 the jaws, these parties forget that it does not enable 
 
112 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 the animal to swallow. Many animals have been 
 choked in this manner. Extract of belladonna is 
 much used, and we must admit that many cases re- 
 cover under it ; therefore we are at times tempted to 
 believe that it does possess a certain amount of utility. 
 But we should examine both sides of the question, 
 as in all cases I have seen of recovery from its use, 
 I have found that the bowels were well opened be- 
 fore or during its action. 
 
 Again, extreme cold has been employed as a cure, 
 for cold seems to relax the spasms; and animals 
 have been plunged into cold water, or had it pumped 
 over them. Sudden fright has also had the effect 
 of relaxing the muscles ; while eminent men in the 
 profession recommend locking the door and putting 
 the key in your pocket in order to secure absolute 
 rest. But apart from all that, the best way is to 
 get the bowels opened if possible, and afterwards 
 give the belladonna ; then allow the patient plenty 
 of cool air. Keep him in a dark box, shutting out 
 out all light, and leaving him in absolute quietness. 
 
 The next question is, What are we to do to keep 
 up the system and the bowels open at the same 
 time ? The animal cannot take nourishment, as 
 the mouth is closed ; and even if open, he could not 
 swallow it. In such a case gently elevate the head, 
 then put a flexible tube down the nostrils, having a 
 bladder fixed to the end of it containing either the 
 medicines or gruel that you are about to administer ; 
 
CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS'S DANCE. 113 
 
 then gently squeeze the bladder, allowing only a 
 few drops to trickle down at first, which can be 
 gradually increased as the patient gets used to it. 
 Give also gruel-injections, which will be taken up 
 into the system by absorption. Some people apply 
 mercurial blisters along the spine, while others 
 insert setons ; but I think this is only adding irrita- 
 tion to irritation ; therefore a good, fresh, newly- 
 stripped sheepskin is the best and simplest thing 
 to excite a copious action in the skin without pro- 
 ducing irritation. Of course, unless the animal is a 
 valuable one, it is perhaps as well to have it destroyed 
 at once. 
 
 Chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance. 
 
 This disease is seen more frequently in the dog 
 than in any other animal. It also occurs in children, 
 and is seen occasionally in the horse and cow. 
 The remarkable features of it consist in a combined 
 or regular movement affecting certain groups of 
 muscles, whose action is quite involuntary, and 
 seems to be increased when the will is excited. It 
 is apparently a disease of the spinal chord, affecting 
 only the nerves of motion, and not those of sensa- 
 tion. This is proved by a man with chorea not 
 having the spasms removed during sleep ; for it has 
 been demonstrated that the brain sleeps when men 
 sleep, as is shown by tickling any one's foot while 
 asleep ; the sleeper will draw up his leg, but this is 
 
114 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 done quite unconsciously. The symptoms are similar 
 in all animals. Men stagger as though they were 
 drunk, and look idiotic, though they are not. There 
 is a continual twitching in the part that is affected, 
 which is constantly in motion, either up and down 
 or from side to side-. Others, again, may appear 
 all right when standing still, but immediately on 
 attempting to lift the leg they find they cannot 
 do it. 
 
 There is another form of chorea which comes on 
 suddenly, and which it is well to guard against. If 
 you go to put halters on some horses' heads, or look 
 at their teeth, they will throw up their heads, fix 
 their lips, and run backwards, the muscles of their 
 necks becoming quite rigid. 
 
 Chorea may affect the head and neck only, or one 
 leg ; or the whole body may be affected, or only one- 
 half ; or sometimes the, tail alone is implicated. 
 
 Again, a man afflicted with chorea, generally 
 speaking, can run better than walk ; just in the 
 same way that a stammerer can sing better than 
 talk. 
 
 In dogs it frequently follows . distemper, but in 
 the horse and cow we know not what it arises from. 
 
 There is no treatment available. 
 
 Megrims, Vertigo, or Giddiness. 
 
 This is sometimes, but improperly, called staggers, 
 for it is only a symptom of the disease. The term 
 
EPILEPSY, OR FALLING SICKNESS. 115 
 
 "megrims " is of very common use in some parts of 
 England, and seems to consist in a temporary loss of 
 voluntary power and motion. 
 
 Symptoms. — The animal will often shake his head, 
 thus showing the fit is coming on, then look at his 
 flanks and fall down. There is no spasm while he 
 lies on the ground, and hardly any pulse to be felt ; 
 but in a few minutes he will get up and give himself 
 a shake, as if nothing had happened. This disease is 
 frequently seen in farm-horses, particularly the heavy 
 kind, and comes on while they are at work in the 
 collar. This tends to convince me that it generally 
 arises from temporary congestion of the brain, caused 
 by obstruction of the jugular veins by the collar. Of 
 course in cattle that are used for agricultural purposes 
 a like result may be expected. 
 
 Treatment. — Allow the animal a roomy collar and 
 food that will not constipate the bowels, giving an 
 occasional dose of medicine. 
 
 Epilepsy, or Falling Sickness, 
 
 means " I seize " — " I seize upon." It is a cere- 
 brospinal disease, which may be idiopathic or 
 symptomatic, spontaneous or accidental, and occurs 
 in paroxysms, with uncertain intervals between 
 each. These paroxysms are characterised by loss of 
 consciousness, and by convulsive motions of the 
 body. Frequently the fit comes on suddenly; at 
 
116 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 other times it is preceded by indisposition in the 
 shape of indigestion, vertigo, or stupor. 
 
 At times, before the loss of consciousness occurs, 
 a sensation as if of a cold vapour is detected. This 
 appears to rise in one part of the body and proceed 
 towards the head, when, as soon as it has reached the 
 brain, the patient falls down. The ordinary duration 
 of a fit is from five to twenty minutes; sometimes it 
 goes off in a few seconds, at others it is protracted 
 for hours. In all cases there is a loss of sensation, 
 sudden falling down, distortion of the eyes and face, 
 countenance of a red purple or violet colour, grind- 
 ing of the teeth, foaming at the mouth, convulsions 
 of the limbs, difficult respiration, at times stertorous, 
 with sometimes an involuntary discharge of faeces 
 and urine. When the fit has passed away, the patient 
 seems not to recollect what has occurred for some 
 time, and seems to be affected with headache, stupor, 
 and lassitude. 
 
 The disease is cerebro- spinal, and is generally 
 organic, but it may be functional and symptomatic 
 of irritation in other parts, as in the stomach, bowels, 
 &c, while the prognosis as to ultimate recovery is 
 unfavourable. Epilepsy does not, however, fre- 
 quently destroy life, but it is very apt to lead to 
 mental prostration. 
 
 Post-mortem examinations have thrown no light 
 upon the pathology of this malady. 
 
 During the attack of epilepsy the consciousness 
 
HYSTERIA. 117 
 
 of the patient becomes, in the mildest cases, com- 
 pletely lost ; hence all the symptoms of the seizure 
 cannot be described. 
 
 In the treatment- of epilepsy the cause must be 
 sought for, and if possible removed. During the 
 paroxysms very little can be done, but as the tongue 
 is then liable to be injured by the teeth, the jaws 
 may be kept apart by putting a cork or piece of 
 wood between them. If the fit has been brought 
 on by indigestion, the offensive matters in the 
 stomach must be cleared away. It is during the 
 intervals that occur between the paroxysms that the 
 greatest efforts must be made. Generally, there is 
 considerable irritation and debility of the nervous 
 system, hence tonics have been found the best 
 remedies. Of these, perhaps, the most powerful in 
 epilepsy is nitrate of silver, given regularly, and con- 
 tinued for months if necessary. Preparations of 
 iron, copper, and zinc have also been used, with 
 vegetable tonics, antispasmodics in general, counter- 
 irritants, &c. Unfortunately, in many cases these 
 remedies are found insufficient, consequently all that 
 can be done is to palliate the disease by removing 
 carefully the exciting causes, preventing strong 
 emotions and violent exercise, and regulating the 
 
 diet. ' 
 
 Hysteria. 
 
 This is an affection that only occurs in females. 
 It generally assumes the form of paroxysms, the 
 
118 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 principal character of which consists in alternate 
 fits of laughing and crying in the human subject, 
 accompanied by a sensation as if a ball were ascend- 
 ing upwards towards the neck and producing strangu- 
 lation. If the attack be violent there is sometimes loss 
 of consciousness (although the presence of conscious- 
 ness usually distinguishes hysteria frome epilepsy), 
 with convulsions. The duration of the attack is very 
 variable ; it appears to be dependent upon irregula- 
 rity of nervous distribution. During the fit, dashing 
 cold water on the face, applying stimulants to the 
 nose or given internally, and antispasmodics, form 
 the principal curative agents. 
 
 Hydrocephalus, or Water in the Brain, 
 
 is generally seated, according to modern theories, in 
 the meninges and surface of the encephalon. Its 
 progress is extremely acute and often very rapid. 
 It may be divided into three stages. The symptoms 
 of the first stage are general febrile irritation and 
 intolerance of light and sound, succeeded by delirium. 
 Those pf the second stage denote that the inflamma- 
 tion has ended in effusion, great slowness of pulse, 
 moaning, and dilated pupils. In the third stage, 
 profound stupor, paralysis, convulsions, involuntary 
 evacuations, and quick pulse supervene, frequently 
 accompanied by death. 
 
 The disease is of uncertain duration, sometimes 
 destroying life in two or three days, in other cases 
 
DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. 119 
 
 extending over several weeks. If the prognosis is 
 unfavourable, however, a dose of physic may be 
 given, and a seton run through the skin at the top 
 of the head. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. 
 
 The first is hyperemia, which is a preternatural 
 accumulation of blood in the capillary vessels, more 
 especially local plethora or congestion. Various 
 forms of blood-disease are admitted by pathologists ; 
 for example, the active or sthenic ; the asthenic or 
 passive ; the cadaveric, or that which takes place 
 immediately before or after death; the hypostatic, 
 which occurs in depending parts ; and the mechani- 
 cal, which is produced by some impediment to the 
 circulation. 
 
 The second is ansemia, loss of blood, or the oppo- 
 site to plethora. It is characterised by signs of 
 debility, with a diminished quantity of fluids in the 
 capillary vessels. The essential character of the 
 blood in this disease is diminution in the quantity 
 of red corpuscles. 
 
 Third, leucocythsemia, a condition of the blood 
 which consists in a superabundant development of 
 white corpuscles. This is a disease which has been 
 observed at times to be accompanied by enlarge- 
 ment of the spleen and liver. 
 
120 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Fourth, pyaemia, a purulent contamination of the 
 blood, producing marked depression of the vital 
 powers, and the formation of abscesses in various 
 regions of the body. It is supposed by some to be 
 due to suppurative capillary phlebitis, by others to 
 coagulation of the vitiated blood in the vessels — 
 especially the veins — or the heart, and to the in- 
 flammation and suppuration developed by the . clots 
 of blood when detached and carried into the capil- 
 laries of other parts. 
 
 Fifth, glycohaemia, which indicates a saccharine 
 condition of the blood. 
 
 Sixth, uraemia, a condition of the blood in which 
 it contains, or is presumed to contain, urea, and to 
 give rise to sundry morbid phenomena implicating 
 the nervous centres more especially. 
 
 Seventh, acholia, a deficiency or want of bile. 
 
 Eighth, piarhaemia, or fat in the blood. 
 
 Erysipelas 
 
 is a disease of frequent occurrence in man, and a 
 peculiar one it is. The inflammation which accom- 
 panies it is of a very singular character in man as 
 well as in the horse. It is an inflammatory disease 
 affecting the submucous tissue or the surface of 
 mucous cavities, and is identified by various names, 
 such as the "rose" and "St. Anthony's fire." The 
 inflammation is peculiar for running into rapid 
 exudation, is strikingly indisposed to the formation 
 
ERYSIPELAS. 121 
 
 of pus, but greatly given to sloughing. It is very 
 common in the horse, but is of more frequent occur- 
 rence in the cow. 
 
 "When it does occur, it may exist independently, 
 or coexist with other diseases. When independent, 
 it seems generally to come on without any assignable 
 cause, but in the majority of instances it follows 
 the same course as diseases of a debilitating nature. 
 It seems also to depend upon a difference in the 
 circulating fluid. The fibrin in this case is increased, 
 yet the exudation does not seem to form pus. 
 
 Symptoms. — It generally begins below and extends 
 upwards ; but it may commence in any part of the 
 body — usually the legs or head. Wherever it ori- 
 ginates the skin is thickened and raised up, and 
 feels brawny, like the skin of swine — that is, hard, 
 rough, and rigid. This is distinguished from the 
 swelling of purpura by always being red from the 
 beginning, does not pit on pressure, while there is 
 an abrupt line between the healthy and diseased 
 parts. Even the very hair feels rougher and harder, 
 and if you touch the skin it causes intense pain. 
 
 I have seen cases where the heads of the patients 
 were so heavy that they could not lift them up, and 
 the same may be said of the legs. The pulse will be 
 quick, breathing hurried, considerable fever present, 
 and appetite suspended. 
 
 This condition of swelling may affect one or all 
 the legs at once, or the head only. These swellings 
 
122 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 have the appearance as if you had tied a cord tight 
 round the limb to prevent circulation. 
 
 Treatment. — It is very important to have the 
 bowels opened in this disease, which can be accom- 
 plished by the diet. With reference to medicines, I 
 must recommend diuretics and vegetable tonics. If 
 the season admit, give green food. This acts bene- 
 ficially upon the bowels, and with them and the 
 kidneys in motion the patient will soon pull through. 
 The local treatment consists in hot applications, and 
 the liberal use of lard or oil to the swollen parts. 
 Should the disease extend in spite of all you can do, 
 incisions should be made, about two or three inches 
 long, between the healthy and the diseased parts. 
 
 Black Quarter, Quarter 111, Black Leg, or 
 Spleuic Apoplexy. 
 
 This disease attacks young growing cattle, and is 
 attended with startling fatality. It is a congestive 
 form of putrid fever, due to a morbid state of the 
 blood and congestive state of the system. It may 
 be characterised as a true blood-disease of a reduc- 
 ing and typhoid nature. It is specially due to a 
 deficiency of fibrin, and as a result of this the blood 
 loses its coagulability, while the red corpuscles are in 
 a disintegrated state. 
 
 Some cattle are more susceptible to this disease 
 than others, especially young, growing, well-bred 
 animals. Calves have been known to take this 
 
BLACK QUARTER. 123 
 
 disease when about three months old. All animals 
 that recover have only been externally affected. 
 
 Symptoms. — These appear very suddenly. The 
 stock may be inspected at night, and to all appear- 
 ance every one is improving in a satisfactory way; 
 in the morning, however, one may be found dead 
 or dying. At first there is great fever, which 
 gradually increases without the least intermis- 
 sion; the mouth is hot and dry; the pulse quick, 
 with irregular beat; the animal is frequently un- 
 conscious, and when moved does so with a stagger- 
 ing gait, with accompanying lameness in one or 
 more limbs. The swelling must be attentively 
 watched, which occurs in either the breast, neck, 
 or quarters, and cannot well be mistaken, as it 
 has a crepitating or crackling sound. This is an 
 important symptom, and one that ought to be borne 
 in mind. The urine is scanty and high-coloured; 
 the animal froths at the mouth; eyes staring and 
 bloodshot; the breathing becomes very rapid, and 
 the animal drops down dead. 
 
 Treatment. — This is a matter of considerable diffi- 
 culty. Owing to the rapidity of the disease there 
 is little or no time for treating it. If only one is 
 affected, give a purge immediately, and keep the 
 patient walking about. At the same time take 
 prompt measures to arrest the further progress of 
 the disease. This can be accomplished by inserting 
 a seton through the dewlap, which is a very simple 
 
124 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 but most effectual preventive, as it increases the 
 deficient element in the blood, fibrin. This must be 
 followed up by alterative medicine and a complete 
 change of diet. Allow the seton to remain in for 
 three weeks, then remove. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearances. — Some writers endeavour 
 to classify and separate black quarter from splenic 
 apoplexy, but there is in reality very little differ- 
 ence between the two diseases, therefore I have 
 described them conjointly. 
 
 The blood is thin and watery; does not coagu- 
 late, but passes readily into a state of putrefaction. 
 Should a dog or cat partake of a portion of the 
 diseased meat in a raw state, it will soon terminate 
 its existence. The spleen is sometimes ruptured, 
 and always engorged with dark blood, and is often 
 twice its natural size. The lungs are also some- 
 times soft and enlarged, and the small intestines in 
 an inflammatory condition ; but the removal of the 
 skin is sufficient to show the cause of death, for it 
 will be found covered with patches. Strict precaution 
 ought to be observed in regard to the man that is em- 
 ployed to do this work, for should he have a scratch 
 or cut upon his hand, it will in all likelihood lead 
 to blood-poisoning, which may terminate fatally. 
 
 Glossanthrax, or Carbuncle of the Tongue. 
 
 This is another blood - disease, and affects the 
 mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue. It is 
 
APHTHA, OR THRUSH. 125 
 
 of a low typhoid nature, preceded by passive conges- 
 tion ; it occurs- often as an epizootic, and is met with 
 in full-grown cattle. 
 
 Symptoms are, great fever ; difficulty in breathing ; 
 mouth open ; tongue swollen and protruded beyond 
 the lips ; swelling of the face ; saliva dribbling from 
 the mouth, which becomes thicker as the disease 
 advances, and in bad cases is mixed with blood; 
 watery secretion from the nose and eyes ; the tongue 
 partakes of a livid hue, and sometimes becomes 
 gangrenous, whitish vesicles appearing over its sur- 
 face, with a dark rim surrounding them. As a rule, 
 it is accompanied by diarrhoea, and the patient 
 commonly dies from apncea. 
 
 Treatment. — Freely scarify the parts affected; open 
 the carbuncle ; wash out the mouth with a weak solu- 
 tion or astringent, such as alum; give a mild laxative, 
 followed up with tonics and good food, which must 
 be soft in order that the patient may be enabled to 
 masticate it. 
 
 Aphtha, or Thrush. 
 
 This consists of roundish, pearl-coloured vesicles, 
 confined to the lips, mouth, and intestinal canal, and 
 generally terminates in curd-like sloughs. 
 
 Symptoms. — Swelling of the membrane that lines 
 the mouth, the lips having an elevated appearance 
 when the animal's mouth is shut. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a dose of purgative medicine, 
 
126 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 wash out the mouth with astringent solutions, and 
 give sloppy food. If the animal be weak and in low 
 condition, give tonics and stimulants, with cold 
 water to drink, in which may be dissolved a little 
 nitre. 
 
 Composition of the Bones. 
 
 Before entering on the diseases that are peculiar 
 to bones, it will be advantageous to the reader to 
 understand the structure and composition of the 
 material that supports the weight of the animal 
 and protects the internal organs. 
 
 Bone is composed of two distinct parts — namely, 
 earthy and animal matter — in the following propor- 
 tions : — 
 
 Phosphate of lime, 
 
 51.04 
 
 Chloride of lime, 
 
 2.00 
 
 Soda and chloride of sodium, 
 
 1.20 
 
 Carbonate of lime, 
 
 11.30 
 
 Carbonate pi magnesia, 
 
 1. 16 
 
 Gelatine and fat, 
 
 33-3° 
 
 Total, 
 
 100.00 
 
 The earthy and animal matters are so completely 
 blended together that they appear like a homo- 
 geneous mass. Such, however, is not the case, as 
 they can be separated in the following manner : — 
 If you steep a bone in hydrochloric acid, you can 
 dissolve out the earthy matter ; and by burning, you 
 
COMPOSITION OF THE BLOOD. 127 
 
 leave the earthy matter, while you destroy the animal 
 matter. These earthy salts are found in all animal 
 structures. If a transverse section is made in a 
 bone, thus ^-^J , an opening will be found called 
 
 the haversian canal, which ramifies into the com- 
 pact structure. Around these canals the osseous 
 matter is deposited in layers or laminae. Surround- 
 ing these canals are spaces of an oval shape, termed 
 lacunas, or empty spaces. There are also numerous 
 fine thread-like canals which run outwards from 
 the haversian ones, and, joining the lacunas, are 
 termed canaliculi, or little canals. Inside of these 
 are the true bone-cells, extending from the lacunas 
 to the haversian canal, which conveys the plasma 
 of the blood, thereby affording nourishment to the 
 whole bone. 
 
 Bones are covered with a material called perio- 
 steum, which is composed of fibrous tissue adhering 
 firmly to the bone. This periosteum is the chief 
 source of supply for the compact tissue. It is from 
 its inner surface that the blood-vessels pass into 
 the cancellated tissue. The bone also receives sup- 
 port from the nutrient arteries which traverse the 
 internal canal, and then break up into fine plexuses 
 of blood-vessels. 
 
128 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE BONE. 
 
 Rachitis. 
 
 When bones are deficient in earthy matter, we 
 generally find rachitis present. In this disease the 
 bones are imperfectly ossified. It occurs in two 
 forms, acute and chronic. Young animals are liable 
 to attacks of the acute form, known as joint-ill. It 
 affects the articulations, causing lameness with swell- 
 ing of the joints, more especially those of the knee. 
 The inflammation increases, so does the lameness; 
 suppuration sets in, and the result is open joints. 
 This form of the disease terminates fatally, as the 
 patient wastes away, and ultimately dies in great 
 agony. 
 
 Causes. — Insufficient supply of milk and exposure 
 to damp and cold ; also where the water that is used 
 is soft and deficient in lime salts, one of the essen- 
 tial constituents of bone. 
 
 Treatment. — As the causes are removable, strict 
 attention must be paid to them. With careful 
 management the disease may be avoided, and its 
 prevention is easier and better than cure. 
 
 In the chronic or subacute form, the shaft of the 
 bone towards its extremities begins to bend. This 
 will not happen until the animal is six or eight months 
 
OSTEO-POEOSIS. 129 
 
 old. Therefore commence at once by giving an 
 excess of lime-water, with small quantities of good 
 linseed-cake; in fact, the best food and shelter at 
 command. Put splints on the limb and bandage 
 up, but not too tight, when it will again recover 
 something like its former shape. 
 
 Mollities Ossium 
 
 occurs in full-grown animals, but presents no symp- 
 toms during life. It is a constitutional disease, 
 being the conversion of the animal bases into fat ; 
 such subjects are liable to exostosis. There is no 
 treatment available. 
 
 Osteo-Porosis. 
 
 In this disease there is a distension of the haver- 
 sian canals, which contain a juicy fluid, along with 
 the blood-vessels. It is seen when the distension is 
 most active, the parts being in a highly vascular 
 condition. Professor Williams thinks it is owing to 
 a deficiency in the material for building up the 
 haversian canals, consequently the blood-vessels 
 force themselves in, and the walls distend. 
 
 Symptoms. — Swelling of 'the face and discharge 
 from nostrils, the patient being unable to masticate 
 its food. This disease, the same authority says, arises 
 from, outward causes; but if we have a discharge 
 from the nose, it may be due to derangement of the 
 
130 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 fifth nerve, which nerve seems to preside over the 
 nutrition of the face. 
 
 Treatment. — Unsatisfactory. 
 
 Osteo-Sarcoma, or Fleshy and Bone Tumour, 
 
 frequently affects cattle, and attacks the jaws. It 
 has no connection with the teeth, as supposed hy 
 some. In nasal gleet we may find such a tumour, 
 which must be removed by the knife. 
 
 Enchondroma, or Tumour on the Sternum 
 or Chest. 
 
 This tumour may be hard, hot, and painful to the 
 touch, and if allowed to continue, becomes converted 
 into cartilage and fibrous tissue. 
 
 Caries and Necrosis of Bone. 
 
 There is not an extremity of the bones which is not 
 liable to caries. This disease corresponds to ulcer 
 of the soft parts ; in its course it is frequently chro- 
 nic, although from the devastation it produces (especi- 
 ally in the true hock-joint), it appears to be acute. 
 
 When caries is superficial, it presents the appear- 
 ance of a moth-eaten substance. When it affects 
 a large articulation, accompanied with bleeding, it 
 is both a diagnostic and fatal sign, because the 
 laminar layer has been removed ; hence the haver- 
 sian canals and blood-vessels are now exposed to the 
 friction of the part. 
 
NECROSIS. 131 
 
 The discharge from a carious bone is of an acrid 
 nature, and will blacken a silver probe. Caries is 
 healed by a change of unhealthy to healthy granu- 
 lations. 
 
 Treatment, to be successful, depends greatly upon 
 subduing the inflammation. If in an open joint, the 
 application of a counter-irritant will assist in its 
 prevention. 
 
 Necrosis 
 
 is in every way analogous to mortification of a soft 
 structure, and differs from caries by the vitality of 
 the part being entirely destroyed. It resembles 
 dry gangrene, and arises from some external injury 
 to the bone, or from any cause by which the bone 
 is laid bare or crushed. 
 
 Necrosis is of two kinds, total and partial. The 
 boundaries of a necrosed bone are irregular in every 
 way. It produces extensive inflammation in the 
 adjoining healthy bone and tissue. Suppuration 
 takes place, and goes on until the offending portion 
 or necrosed part of the bone is removed. The pus 
 discharges itself externally, carrying with it small 
 pieces of the diseased bone. It is distinguished 
 by its bleached appearance and irregular borders. 
 The bone in contact with it assumes a rosy colour, 
 becomes succulent, and is finally removed by absorp- 
 tion. The line dividing the two is called the line 
 of demarcation. 
 
132 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 The inflammation that exists leads to a deposit 
 being thrown out beneath the periosteum; and as 
 this extends into the interior, the bony matter is 
 there deposited. Causes are intrinsic and extrinsic': 
 in the former no remedy can be suggested ; in the 
 latter, remove the bone, giving tonics, good food, 
 and lime-water to drink. 
 
 TUMOURS. 
 
 This department is well represented in the human 
 subject, and unfortunately they appear in all shapes, 
 sizes, and situations ; but in veterinary practice we 
 find them much less numerous, and in general not 
 of a very malignant character. 
 
 Tumours may be defined to be perceptible or de- 
 finite additions to the substance of any part of the 
 body. They occur under two' principal characters: 
 First, there is a class of tumours made up of tex- 
 tures similar to those already existing in the body, 
 such as bones, cartilage, &c. These are called 
 non-malignant tumours, and are by far the most 
 numerous kind met with in our practice. Secondly, 
 there are tumours composed of tissue not existing 
 naturally in the body, and which have a tendency 
 to destroy and poison the body, hence they are called 
 malignant or destructive tumours. This class, how- 
 ever, is very rare; we cannot, however, always 
 
TUMOURS. 133 
 
 draw a definite line between the two, although there 
 is no doubt that some tumours begin non-malignant, 
 and then assume a malignant type. 
 
 Non-malignant Tumours. — These are composed, as 
 I have said, of materials already existing in the body, 
 such as cartilage and bone, becoming enlarged, without 
 any structural difference. The character of a non- 
 malignant tumour is that it does not destroy, poison, 
 or spread to surrounding tissues, having no tendency 
 to reproduction, and when thoroughly removed the 
 animal recovers. Tumours of this description sel- 
 dom run on to suppuration or ulceration, yet they 
 may destroy life ; but this is not due to poisoning 
 of the system, but from their mechanical incon- 
 venience. 
 
 Malignant Tumours, on the other hand, such as 
 cancer, always do destroy, change, and alter the 
 textures surrounding them into their own textures, 
 while they poison the whole system, and are apt to 
 grow faster than non-malignant ones. They are 
 often connected with constitutional disorder, fre- 
 quently running on to softening and ulceration. 
 
 These tumours cause pain and intense irritation in 
 their neighbourhood, and when removed, there is no 
 guarantee that they will not be reproduced in the 
 same or another site. In one sense they are not 
 themselves a local disease, but rather indications of 
 a disease which has a constitutional seat or origin. 
 
 It is a remarkable and admitted fact that people 
 
134 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 with tumours will live longer without having them 
 removed than those that have them cut away. At 
 the same time the formation of tumours is very- 
 much influenced by the constitution of the animal ; 
 and this is the case in cattle as well as in the horse. 
 In hitches, again, it often assumes a hereditary 
 character, and what causes it in one will not do so 
 in another. Thus a human subject may receive an 
 injury on the breast, and get well again without much 
 trouble ; whereas another may receive a similar 
 injury, and, particularly if there is any constitutional 
 diathesis, a tumour may be the result. 
 
 Horses are not so liable to tumours as cows, and 
 cows are not so liable as bitches, for in the latter 
 animals we have them almost as frequently as in 
 mares. 
 
 The chemical constituents of tumours vary. The 
 proximate principles which are chiefly formed in 
 them are fat, gelatine, and albumen, and according 
 as any of these predominate in the structure, the 
 nature of the tumour is found to alter. It is a cir- 
 cumstance to be noted that the malignant tumours 
 contain a great amount of albumen with fat, while 
 non-malignant ones consist principally of gelatine. 
 
 The great majority of tumours are enclosed in a 
 cavity called a sac, especially those of a non-malig- 
 nant nature; but tumours in the brain are not 
 usually invested with a wall. On the other hand, a 
 malignant tumour is seldom enclosed in a cyst, so 
 
TUMOURS. 135 
 
 that it is difficult to say where the healthy texture 
 begins and the unhealthy ends ; whereas, in the 
 non-malignant, we have a pretty definite line of 
 demarcation. 
 
 Malignant tumours in cattle are situated most 
 commonly at the root of the tongue and in the eyes, 
 affecting the orbits, also the glands of the neck and 
 the external organs of generation. From this it 
 may be seen that they are rather inclined to affect 
 the same situations in cattle as they do in women. 
 They are classified under the general term of cancers, 
 of which there are various kinds, known, first, by the 
 name of medullary, so called because they resemble 
 the medullary substance of the brain ; second, 
 scirrhous, or hard cancer, which is always painful ; 
 third, colloid, or glue-like cancer — but this kind is 
 never seen in the lower animals; fourth, fungus 
 hcematodes, or bleeding cancer. 
 
 The scirrhous kind occurs most commonly in the 
 udders of the cow and bitch, and the lips of the 
 external organs of generation. 
 
 In the bitch it seems to come on without any 
 apparent cause, and is slow in growth, but gradually 
 increases to an enormous size, causing great pain and 
 inconvenience. One feature which distinguishes 
 scirrhous from any other tumour is that it seems to 
 involve the skin. It is also red, and appears to be 
 attached to the surrounding tissues, and soon ulcer- 
 ates. If the skin is loose, can be easily moved 
 
136 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 from the tumour, and does not appear to affect the 
 surrounding tissues, but is hard and knotty, we may 
 be satisfied that it is not a cancerous tumour. When 
 we examine the tumour, there is generally found one 
 opening, and sometimes more, leading into it. These 
 orifices have a ring of proud flesh round their mar- 
 gins, and if you cut into them with a knife, they are 
 always hard, and resist like cartilage. When ex- 
 amined under the microscope, the tumour is found 
 to be composed of fibrous tissue. Its base is en- 
 closed, in which are cells, thus showing that it be- 
 longs to the malignant class. These cells are large, 
 containing other cells or nuclei having the power 
 of reproduction ; and, in addition, there is a kind of 
 granular juicy matter by which the cells are nour- 
 ished. Therefore, owing to the presence of these 
 cells we must look upon the tumour as of a malig- 
 nant character. Medullary tumours are found in 
 the head, glands of the neck, and liver, and contain 
 the same cells as the scirrhous kind, but in greater 
 proportion, with less fibrous tissue. They are known 
 by their vascularity, by their adhering to the parts 
 in which they exist, and from certain orifices leading 
 to them, which are also surrounded by a ring of 
 proud flesh. 
 
 Fungus hsematodes are those which contain a great 
 amount of blood-vessels and cells, with scarcely any 
 fibrous tissue. This sort of tumour grows more 
 rapidly than any of the others. They bleed pro- 
 
NON-MALIGNANT TUMOURS. 137 
 
 fusely on the slightest touch ; and if you cut them 
 away they grow again, and are very unsatisfactory 
 to deal with. 
 
 Non-Malignant Tumours 
 
 are more common to the lower animals than the 
 malignant kind. Sometimes they are of enormous 
 size and weight, and generally occur about' the anus 
 or generative organs. In the horse they are not of a 
 malignant type, but are regarded so in man, as they 
 generally occur in combination with cancer. Warts 
 will sometimes grow to a great size, and frequently 
 appear again after being cut away. This is not 
 owing to their being malignant, but to the difficulty 
 of removing the roots thoroughly 
 
 A polypus is a kind of pendulous growth, gene- 
 rally attached to some superficial mucous membrane, 
 and is found most frequently in the nose, larynx, 
 vagina, and' sometimes at the entrance to the uterus. 
 It usually consists of a thickening of the mucous 
 membrane. When it occurs in the nose, it assumes 
 a variety of shapes, but the most common is usually 
 that of a pear, with a bulb and neck. 
 
 Symptoms. — If in the nose, there is difficulty in 
 breathing, accompanied with a kind of snore, par- 
 ticularly in inspiration; and if situated far back, 
 there will be a tendency to suffocation. We can 
 generally see the polypi, and they must be cut or 
 twisted away. 
 
138 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Warts comprise several kinds, but they are of 
 two chief characters in the lower animals. They 
 are either on the surface, or just underneath the 
 skin. The former is called the common or epider- 
 mic wart; the latter the fibrous, cystic, or subcu- 
 taneous wart. 
 
 Epidermic or common warts are well known to 
 all, especially in the human subject ; they also appear 
 upon the skin of horses and cattle. There is no 
 essential structural difference between the one and 
 the other, though in cattle we find them much 
 rougher on the surface than in the human being. 
 In warts both layers of the skin are involved; 
 namely, the epidermis or cuticle, which consists of 
 scales similar to the scales of a fish, though not so 
 large ; it is not vascular, and contains no blood- 
 vessels or nerves. Underneath is the true skin (cutis 
 vera), which consists of blood-vessels, fibrous tissue, 
 and nerves. 
 
 In the horse, these warts are frequently seen about 
 the nostrils, eyelids, face, sheath, and between the 
 fore and hind legs ; and in cattle they occur chiefly 
 under the abdomen and on the teats and sides of 
 the face ; indeed, all parts of the skin are subject to 
 them ; but some breeds of horses and cattle are more 
 liable to warts than others. They are of two varie- 
 ties — one of them shooting up perpendicularly or 
 abruptly, the other merely spreading along the sur- 
 face in patches. This does not depend upon any 
 
NON-MALIGNANT TDMOUES. 139 
 
 difference in their structure, but in their develop- 
 ment, the single ones having generally a well-defined 
 neck, especially when of large size. 
 
 Warts always first occur in a small pimple, and 
 when large they are very vascular. They are more 
 common in young animals of all kinds than in old 
 ones, therefore I think that their occurrence is owing 
 to some irregular growth of the skin. If we take a 
 slice of the rough surface and examine it under the 
 microscope after having placed it in acetic acid, we 
 find it made up of little cells, inside of which 
 smaller ones are found ; and in proportion to the size 
 of the wart, so is the size of the vessels involved. 
 
 Treatment. — All kinds of charms were had re- 
 course to at one time to banish warts, but of course 
 no one entertains these superstitious ideas now. 
 Sometimes they will disappear of themselves, but 
 the treatment must vary according to the kind of 
 warts you encounter. If you find a wart with a 
 broad fleshy base, hard, and not large, you had 
 better cut it away at once. Apply the actual 
 cautery, or some strong caustic, so as to destroy the 
 growing surface. Of the two I prefer the hot iron. 
 Should the wart have a neck, you can tie a string 
 round sufficiently tight to arrest its supply of blood, 
 when it will die and slough off. In this case it is 
 always better to apply the cautery after the wart has 
 dropped off, in order to destroy any remaining root. 
 
 When warts occur over the surface of the skin 
 
140 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 you should cut away all the horny parts, wipe 
 off the blood, and apply caustics or the hot iron. In 
 some cases you have to repeat the cutting, so as to 
 allow the caustic to penetrate deep enough. Cattle 
 are very liable to have them on their tails. In these 
 cases cut the warts away and apply the hot iron. 
 
 There is another kind somewhat common in cattle, 
 called fibrous or subcutaneous cystic warts. These 
 may vary in size from a marble to a 20-lb. weight. 
 They do not involve the skin, for you can move 
 it over their surface in any way you choose, which 
 shows that they are not connected with the muscles. 
 There is no pain on pressure unless the skin is 
 ulcerated — which is the case sometimes — and there 
 is no sensible increase of heat. They are hard, and 
 move readily. The tissues below the skin do not 
 become ulcerated owing to the non-malignity of the 
 wart, but simply to the mechanical inconvenience it 
 causes ; for if we cut the skin away, we come to a 
 great amount of fibrous tissue into which numerous 
 blood-vessels ramify, and from which the sac or 
 wall receives its nutrition and growth. Inside this 
 sac is the proper wart, consisting of a dense mass of 
 inorganic matter : it is very rare that there are any 
 blood-vessels in it. 
 
 When these warts are small it is very easy remov- 
 ing them, by making a single incision, through the 
 skin and squeezing them out. A good-sized wart 
 may be removed in this way. "When you have a 
 
CALCAREOUS TUMOURS. 141 
 
 large one, and the skin ulcerated, it is more difficult 
 to remove ; therefore you must make two incisions 
 similar to straight lines and get to the bottom of the 
 sac or wall. It is from this wall the wart forms, 
 so it must be removed. 
 
 Occasionally in cattle, though not so often as in 
 man, we find fibrous tumours affecting the internal 
 organs, such as the kidneys, uterus, &c, but most 
 commonly on the inside of the, cheeks, particularly 
 of dogs ; in this case they can be removed. 
 
 There is another kind .of tumour occurring behind 
 the elbow in cattle, of a fibrous nature, formed from 
 the lymph ; this is caused by the animal bruising 
 that part in lying down on its heels. If the cause is 
 not prevented, inflammation of a slow form takes 
 place, and lymph is formed, with the result that a 
 tumour is produced. In such a case blisters do no 
 good ; the warts ought to be cut out. 
 
 Fatty Tumours 
 
 are very rare in any of the lower animals, but there 
 is a kind of tumour that forms on the backs of horses, 
 under the saddle, also on the shoulder and under the 
 collar, very much resembling fatty tumours, which 
 is composed of fibrous tissue and fat. 
 
 Calcareous Tumours 
 
 (so named because they consist of inorganic matter) 
 are generally called bony tumours, though they are 
 
142 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 not true bone, as they contain neither haversian 
 canals, lacunse, or canaliculi, but consist chiefly of 
 the phosphates and carbonates of lime. These 
 tumours may be found attached to the parts in which 
 they are formed, as in tendons ; or unattached, as in 
 the skin. When they are in the latter, the hair 
 falls off in patches, while the whole coat has a 
 general unthriftiness about it. 
 
 Treatment. — The best remedy is to cut the tum- 
 ours out. Sometimes they are found in the udders 
 of bitches, where they arrest the flow of milk. The 
 brain, also, is said to become ossified, but this is not 
 the case ; simple carbonates and phosphates have 
 been deposited between the interstices of that organ, 
 thus leading to the deception. The heart, surface of 
 the lungs, testicles, &c, are also subject to the same 
 disease. 
 
 Encysted Tumours 
 
 are those in which the contents are fluid instead 
 of solid. This fluid is contained in a bag, which 
 is likewise enclosed in an outer cyst or sac. These 
 tumours are not frequently found in our patients, 
 but when they do occur, they are generally found at 
 the back part of the tongue. There seems to be 
 no doubt about the origin of many of them ; namely, 
 that they are nothing more than a dilated follicle of 
 a gland, arising from some obstruction. When they 
 occur on the tongue, the obstruction may be a 
 
MELANOTIC TUMOUKS. 143 
 
 foreign body getting into the follicle, such as a hay- 
 seed, thus causing irritation to set in on the edges 
 of the follicle. Lymph is exuded, and in time 
 the orifice is plugged up; consequently dilatation 
 of the follicle takes place, owing to an accumu- 
 lation of its contents, which are found to consist 
 of a cheesy fluid. They are distinguishable from a 
 fibrous tumour by their elasticity, and they can be 
 easily removed. There is nothing malignant about 
 them ; but when they do cause death, it arises from 
 mechanical inconvenience, for in the larynx these 
 tumours produce suffocation, and in the nose difficulty 
 of breathing. In some parts of England this disease 
 is very common. 
 
 Treatment. — When they occur on the tongue, and 
 you can reach them, clip them off; and if upon any 
 external surface, cut them out. 
 
 Cartilaginous or Enchondromatis Tumours 
 
 are very common in man, but in our patients we find 
 them of rare occurrence. They do not often ulcer- 
 ate ; but when they are situated on parts where you 
 can get at them, remove them. Once thoroughly 
 removed, they seldom grow again. 
 
 Melanotic Tumours 
 
 occur frequently in the horse, but seldom in the 
 cow. They differ in every way from other tumours, 
 being composed of a black colouring matter, simi- 
 
144 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 lar to charcoal, that is infiltrated into the tissues 
 of the part on which they form. These tumours 
 are most common in bright-grey and white horses,, 
 but are rare in dark-coloured animals. They are 
 found oftenest in those places where the skin is 
 tinged with black — such as the nose, eyelids, lips, 
 sheaths, anus, lips of the vagina, and inside the legs, 
 these parts not being covered with hair. Here it 
 is important to inquire why they occur in white 
 horses, and why in the dark part of the skin ? These 
 are questions not easily answered, although I think 
 we can partially account for the phenomena. For 
 instance, in a black horse the whole skin is equally 
 covered by the black colouring matter called pig- 
 ment ; the same peculiarity characterises the bay or 
 chesnut; consequently . these tumours depend upon 
 the presence of this pigment. In a white horse, 
 the skin and hair are devoid of this pigment, yet he 
 contains in his blood the materials for its forma- 
 tion ; therefore it is reasonable to suppose that the 
 body, being white, possesses no power to cause 
 this matter to settle elsewhere than upon the dark 
 places mentioned, where it is deposited in undue 
 quantities. 
 
 When we examine its structure, we find the pig- 
 ment consists of minute crystals. These are not 
 enclosed in sacs, but graduate insensibly into the 
 healthy parts, so that you cannot tell where the 
 one begins and the other ends ; while they depend 
 
SCROFULOUS TUMOURS. 145 
 
 upon the infiltration of the pigment into the tissues, 
 to add to their bulk. This pigment also consists 
 of iron and sulphur in great proportion. These 
 tumours are not malignant in the lower animals, but 
 are considered so in man, as in him they are fre- 
 quently combined with cancer. There is a law in 
 surgery that one should save as much skin as pos- 
 sible in operating, so as to cover up the wound with 
 it, provided it is not diseased ; but in this case we 
 are compelled to cut a great deal of skin away, in 
 consequence of its being diseased. In cases where 
 the tumour has grown within the anus, it cannot be 
 dissected out very well ; but we need not fear 
 making a cut into it. A good deal of bleeding may 
 be caused, but when the vessels are properly secured 
 the surface will soon heal ; this will prove that it is 
 not malignant. Still they should not be interfered 
 with, unless you can remove them entirely, as they 
 will, in most cases, grow again. 
 
 Scrofulous Tumours. 
 
 This disease is sometimes seen in the horse, 
 though not often ; it is more common in cattle, and 
 still more so in the dog, but most of all in swine. In 
 London about iooo people die weekly, and out of 
 this number 120 fall under this scrofulous diathesis. 
 
 Symptoms. — In the human subject there is a fair 
 
 skin, large eyes, large lymphatic glands, especially 
 
 about the neck, and large veins. In cattle the 
 
 K 
 
146 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 glands about the neck are the most liable to be 
 attacked; in such cases we often have very large 
 swellings. Young cattle are more subject to these 
 collections of matter than old ones, particularly those 
 that have come from inland counties, and are after- 
 wards located near the sea-coast. Clyers is the name 
 given to these swellings in England ; and farms that 
 are exposed to east winds, near the sea, and situate 
 in low-lying damp localities, are most likely to be 
 affected by them. 
 
 The characteristics of these tumours are — they 
 are hard, deeply seated, involving the glands of the 
 neck and angle of the jaws, and do not move under 
 the skin as some tumours, which shows that they 
 are in the tissues, so you cannot tell where they 
 end. Sometimes they ulcerate; and when this 
 takes place there is no longer any doubt about the 
 nature of them. 
 
 Treatment. — Some cut them out, but this is not 
 to be recommended, as it cannot be done without 
 great loss of blood, owing to so many blood-vessels 
 being in the part. The best thing to do is to shelter 
 the animals well from wet and cold, make them 
 otherwise comfortable, and by good feeding get them 
 ready for the butcher as quickly as possible. 
 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN, ETC. 147 
 
 DISEASES OF THE SKIN, Etc. 
 
 The skin is that material which covers the body, 
 and is an organ which performs the operations of 
 absorption and secretion. It contains hair-follicles 
 and two distinct sets of glands, namely, the sudori- 
 ferous or true sweat-glands, which are composed of 
 coiled tubes ; and the sebaceous, which secrete an 
 oily fluid. These are found under the true skin, and 
 the ducts of these glands are found opening into the 
 hair-follicles. 
 
 The skin is subject to congestion, dropsy, inflam- 
 mation, new ' formations (such as warts, &c), and 
 parasitic diseases. 
 
 Congestion is characteristic of low diseases, and 
 may arise from mechanical obstruction. When it is 
 very intense it gives rise to haemorrhage into the 
 subcutaneous tissue. 
 
 Dropsy is a result of congestion, and is easily 
 defined in patients with swelled legs. 
 
 Inflammation may be either superficial or deep 
 seated. Good examples of this are furnished in 
 frosty weather by cracked heels, &c. ; the animals 
 move stiffly on their legs, and the skin is very pain- 
 ful to the touch. 
 
 Treatment. — Applications of warm water, applying 
 ol. oliva two parts, liq. plumbi dia. one part, twice 
 a day to irritated portions of the skin. 
 
148 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 Ringworm. 
 
 This is a frequent disease in cattle. It generally 
 makes its appearance about the eyelids. The hair 
 commences to fall off; by degrees the disease ex- 
 tends all round and continues to spread, a kind 
 of watery scales appearing. It occurs mostly in 
 young animals, especially calves; in which it has 
 occasionally been so much developed as to destroy 
 numbers at a time. 
 
 Treatment. — Acetic acid. A few applications of 
 this will cure it; or iodine one drachm, lard one 
 ounce, mixed and applied; and in bad cases the 
 iodide of silver may be adopted. 
 
 Wounds 
 
 are of five kinds: ist, incised; 2d, punctured ; 3d, 
 contused ; 4th, lacerated ; 5 th, gunshot. 
 
 ist, The Incised wound is made with a clean-cutting 
 instrument, and is a clean smooth cut through the 
 skin and connective tissue. 
 
 Treatment. — Arrest the bleeding, if any, and 
 remove irritants. 
 
 Professor Syme taught that the parts should be 
 left open and not brought together until six hours 
 after, or till the serous discharge ceases to flow, 
 when the wound will be found glazed over. This is 
 due to a coating of fibrin, and if united now the 
 edges readily adhere. Afterwards keep the animal 
 
WOUNDS. , 149 
 
 quiet and dress with the following : Liq. plumbi dia. 
 two drachms, zinc sulp. two drachms, water eight 
 ounces. Mix this and apply night and morning. 
 
 2d, A Punctured wound is the most dangerous of 
 all, as from its depth it is apt to implicate arteries, 
 veins, nerves, and deep-seated vital parts. The 
 parts traversed are often stretched and torn, and are 
 liable to inflammation and suppuration. Pus forms, 
 and, having no free exit, burrows under the sur- 
 rounding tissue. Then, again, foreign bodies are 
 liable to be carried into the wound to a great depth, 
 and are never suspected until inflammation has set 
 in. Wounds of this class are very apt to produce 
 tetanus or locked-jaw. 
 
 Treatment. — Dilate and enlarge the wounds (this 
 holds good in every case in the horse) so as to allow a 
 free exit to matter or pus. The pus formed in a punc- 
 tured wound carries off the dead tissue found in the 
 part. If the pain is great and fever present, give a 
 dose of physic to open the bowels, with opium and 
 aconite to allay the pain and fever, and keep the 
 animal upon soft sloppy food. Wounds of this de- 
 scription heal from the bottom towards the surface ; 
 but if you suspect any hollow, open up the wound 
 again and allow it to heal properly. It is a bad 
 plan to probe a wound if it is near a joint, as it sets 
 up suppuration. 
 
 3d, The third class may be placed under two heads ; 
 Contused and Ecchyinosed. This kind is produced by 
 
150 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 a blunt instrument causing injury with no lacera- 
 tion of the skin, when it is termed ecchymosis— a 
 familiar example of which is to be seen in a man 
 having a black eye. In this case there is, first, a 
 benumbing of the parts, and then structural inflam- 
 mation arises, the degree of which greatly depends 
 upon the force of the blow. 
 
 4th, Lacerated. — This kind is attended with 
 more hsemorrhage than an incised wound ; but, the 
 surfaces being irregular and ragged, the blood 
 effused adheres; and so, if the arteries are torn, 
 they consequently heal quicker than when cut. 
 
 Treatment. — Bleeding to be restrained, and all 
 irritants removed ; while the parts must be brought 
 together, and quietness enjoined. In laceration 
 of the lips, the depending parts should not be cut 
 off, but well cleaned and brought together, when 
 the wound may heal nicely, leaving a smaller scar 
 than if you had employed the knife. When the 
 fever is subdued, give good food in order that the 
 blood may be supplied with the requisite material 
 for the repair of these parts. 
 
 Open Joints. 
 
 In the treatment of open joints, let it ever be 
 remembered that upon no consideration must one be 
 induced or tempted to remove the coagulation, as it 
 prevents the air from entering the cavity and causing 
 irritation. If it is possible to stop up the wound at 
 
BUENS AND SCALDS. 151 
 
 once, you should make it your endeavour to do so ; 
 but if the case has gone on for a day or so, pus will 
 be formed and must have exit, so plugging will not 
 do then. You must employ fomentations at first, to 
 be followed by the application of a smart blister, 
 which is an invaluable remedy. In this case the 
 blister acts in three ways : — first, by producing 
 swelling, which closes up the wound more or less ; 
 second, by keeping the animal quiet; third, by 
 setting up the process of repair within the part. 
 
 During the progress of open joints you will see 
 small abscesses forming, which burst and discharge 
 synovia. Do not open these, but allow them to burst 
 of themselves. Long rest is generally required be- 
 fore you can succeed in these cases ; therefore, unless 
 the animal is for breeding purposes, it had better 
 be slaughtered at once. 
 
 Burns and Scalds 
 
 are divided into three classes, namely, burns pro- 
 ducing redness, with loss of hair; burns producing 
 vesicles, or blisters ; and burns producing sloughing, 
 or mortification of the parts. For those producing 
 only a slight redness of the skin, paint the parts 
 with a camel-hair brush dipped in a solution of 
 nitrate of silver, five grains to one ounce of water, 
 and after one coat has dried put on another; secondly, 
 those attended by a degree of inflammation — pro- 
 ducing vesicles in abundance, which sometimes turn 
 
152 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 into obstinate ulcers — should be treated with lime- 
 water and linseed-oil, or a solution of the nitrate of 
 silver. 
 
 Constitutional Symptoms present. — The pulse weak ; 
 the animal shivers all over, blows, and is very much 
 depressed. These symptoms must be overcome by 
 giving stimulants and opium to relieve the pain. In 
 some cases, where you have an extensive burn with 
 the skin destroyed, the parts slough to a great extent, 
 leaving underneath a texture of a pale-yellowish 
 colour, very difficult to heal. 
 
 Treatment. — Subdue the fever by giving a laxative 
 and aconite, then paint over the surface a solution of 
 nitrate of silver. After a day or so the surrounding 
 parts will swell ; a line of demarcation will then pre- 
 sent itself between the healthy and unhealthy parts ; 
 and where pus is formed, • you should foment the 
 parts with warm water, and dress with oil and lime- 
 water, or opium and oil. Afterwards, when the 
 granulations become healthy, apply astringents. 
 
 Repair of Tissue. 
 
 The power of reproduction is certainly remark- 
 able in the lower class of animals ; but in those we 
 have to deal with this power is limited to three 
 classes of tissues — viz., first, those reproduced by 
 nutrition and repetition, such as blood and epithe- 
 lium ; second, those of the lowest organisation and 
 
HEALING OF WOUNDS. 153 
 
 lowest chemical composition, such as gelatine, bones, 
 &c. ; third, those inserted into other tissues, not, how- 
 ever, essential to their structure. 
 
 Epithelium, when stripped of the mucous mem- 
 brane, is reproduced as well as in nerve fibres ; but 
 the other tissues are only liable to repair, their place 
 being taken by a low form of organised tissue. Dr. 
 Hunter says : " When a wound has no external 
 communication with the atmosphere, it rarely in- 
 flames, or only to a slight extent ; but if exposed, it 
 will both inflame and suppurate." 
 
 Healing of Wounds 
 
 takes place in four different ways — namely, by 
 primary adhesion, granulation, secondary adhesion, 
 and healing under a scab. 
 
 Dr. Hunter again says "that union by the first 
 intention is caused by a fibrous exudate being 
 thrown out, glueing the lips together and becoming 
 organised, thus joining the parts." Blood extra- 
 vasated is therefore not without its influence on the 
 healing of wounds, although it is not required for 
 the healing by the first intention. Again, if blood 
 is left in a wound it is apt to produce inflammation ; 
 therefore it ought to be removed, as in some in- 
 stances it becomes organised. The best time to 
 remove a clot of blood is the second or third day. 
 
 The new material for repair is generally called 
 
154 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 coagulable lymph; and this lymph is composed of 
 fibrin, a little fatty matter, and a few saline con- 
 stituents. It may be designated a living fluid, as 
 it possesses the vital power of developing itself from 
 inherent elements contained within, and is classified 
 with fluids that have the property of assuming 
 organised structure, which, as said before, exist in 
 itself. 
 
 The principal material for the repair of wounds is 
 lymph, which has a tendency to develop into fibrous 
 or areolar tissue ; but in some cases it deviates from 
 this line, as in the case of fractures, where it may 
 proceed at once to fibro-cartilage, which may become 
 ossified. The lymph develops itself into areolar 
 tissue from nucleated cells, these cells containing 
 nucleoli, which are filled with granules. After a 
 time they elongate. These processes are seen com- 
 ing from the extremities, which form into a fibre, 
 one cell after another going through the same pro- 
 cess. In this way fibrous tissue is developed. 
 
 Primary adhesion is accomplished in the following 
 manner: when the divided edges are allowed to 
 remain open till the mouths of the vessels are closed, 
 inflammation is set up, lymph is thrown out, and 
 the edges are united. 
 
 Granulation. — When a wound fails to heal by the 
 first intention, it then heals by granulation ; blood 
 gradually ceases to flow from the wound, and a 
 whitish film collects over the surface, which is found 
 
HEALING OF "WOUNDS. 155 
 
 to contain a number of corpuscles, and these become 
 adhesive. If the wound remain open, the fibrin 
 collects, while there is in and about it a period of 
 inaction, the blood during that time becoming stag- 
 nant, or nearly so ; hence materials cannot be given 
 off for repair. Again, in healthy repair the blood is 
 rapid in its circulation ; but in healing by pus it is 
 greatly retarded, or stagnant altogether. 
 
 Simple granulations are generally colourless ; but 
 those of three or four days' standing are moist, 
 florid, and smooth; these form the connective 
 tissue that supplies the part of the muscular tissue 
 destroyed, mixed with a few fibres of elastic tissue. 
 Again, granulations are sometimes arrested in their 
 development ; in these cases months may elapse with- 
 out the cells developing. Again, in other cases 
 the cells not only do not develop themselves, but 
 degenerate, acquiring more the structure of pus 
 cells ; and it is in this condition they are found in 
 the walls of sinuses, &c. ; or they may lose all struc- 
 ture, and degenerate into a mass of molecular sub- 
 stances. 
 
 Fungus, or proud flesh, is granulations tinged 
 with blood. These, again, may become inflamed, 
 and purulent matter pervade the whole mass; all 
 this retards the healing process. In wounds the 
 pus serves as a cover ; if it be thick and creamy, 
 it should not be washed off; and when a wound 
 heals, it has the power of contraction, at least the 
 
156 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 scab over it has. In granulation new blood-vessels 
 form themselves ; at first you will observe a bulging- 
 out of the side of a neighbouring capillary, which 
 prolongs itself to meet the same process of its neigh- 
 bour, and as their blind ends meet they become 
 absorbed : in this manner blood-vessels are supplied. 
 Sometimes these bulgings burst and discharge their 
 contents, consisting of red corpuscles; but these 
 arrange themselves in one direction to meet the 
 other dilatation on the opposite side, and at last are 
 covered by a film which acts as a coat. 
 
 Secondary Adhesion. — This occurs whenever sur- 
 faces of wounds are well developed, but not covered 
 by cuticle, and they are brought together. 
 
 In applying measures to produce this method of 
 healing, certain circumstances are necessary, such 
 as healthy granulations, &c. Healing under a scab 
 is the most natural one, and requires no art what- 
 ever. It is termed cicatrix. 
 
 The scabs are formed from the fluid that exudes, 
 therefore it has advantages over all others; but it 
 is necessary to watch that no morbid exudation 
 takes place under the scab ; if so, you must remove 
 it, but on no other account remove a scab. When 
 a wound is nearly healed the scar contracts, and is 
 bound firmly to the skin, but in old wounds the 
 scar may be freely moved like the skin itself. 
 
FRACTURES OF BONE. ] 57 
 
 Fractures of Bone. 
 
 First, of the bones of the head. The jaw may- 
 be split owing to a fall, the split extending from the 
 middle incisor to the neck of the bone, when the teeth 
 will be loosened, with more or less bleeding. Should 
 the skin be cut, it is termed compound fracture ; if 
 not cut, simple fracture. If the bone is shattered into 
 many pieces, it is called comminuted ; and should the 
 soft structure be wounded as well, it is termed com- 
 pound comminuted. < 
 
 Treatment. — Eemove the loose teeth, if any, and 
 any pieces of bone that can be felt; and if the 
 wound be too small to allow of this, enlarge it so 
 that you can make a proper examination. The jaw 
 must then be pressed together, and bandaged tightly, 
 to prevent any friction ; then give a dose of physic, 
 which will nauseate the animal and prevent him 
 from eating, as well as tend to keep down fever. 
 The nourishment given afterwards must be com- 
 posed of the best food, given in such a sloppy con- 
 dition that the patient may drink or sip it, such as 
 milk-bran, linseed gruels, oatmeal gruels, &c. With 
 great care and attention there is nothing to prevent 
 recovery. 
 
 In Compound Fracture you may perceive a dark 
 fetid discharge from the wound ; in a case of this 
 kind you will require to inject a disinfectant, such 
 as a solution of carbolic acid. If the edges of the 
 
158 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 bone are found to be carious, destroy this by inject- 
 ing a solution of acid hydrochloric, one part to 
 twenty of oil. 
 
 When the jaw is fractured, with displacement, 
 you must get the parts into position; then stuff 
 in tow bandages between the submaxillary spaces. 
 Over this and surrounding the face a bandage must 
 be applied, then a strap over this again to prevent 
 movement. The mouth, of course, must be kept 
 closed. Milk, however, can be given to support the 
 patient. 
 
 For after-treatment apply soothing remedies, such 
 as the solution of opium. Bathe frequently with 
 warm water, and if fever sets in give aconite. Should 
 there be occasion to extract the teeth, the hollows left 
 are apt to become filled with food ; so you must keep 
 them clean by syringing with water after each meal. 
 In old animals the healing process is very slow ; it 
 should therefore be considered whether or not the 
 animal is worth the expense. 
 
 Treatment. — Cut down and remove the affected 
 parts, if the bone be fractured ; but if there be 
 only thickening, and the skin not cut, apply some 
 ung. hydrarg. beniod, to reduce the swelling. 
 
 You may also have fracture of the nasal bone. 
 Sometimes this occurs high up, with depression, 
 lessening the calibre of the nasal cavity, and caus- 
 ing the animal to roar when breathing. In a case 
 of this kind you must raise the depression by means 
 
FRA.CTUKES OF BONE. 159 
 
 of a lever; or remove the offending bone, keeping 
 the cavity clean, and watching for any inflamma- 
 tory symptom. 
 
 Then, again, an animal may fall and fracture the 
 orbital process of the frontal bone, causing total 
 closure of the eyelids. There may or may not be a 
 wound. If not, you must make one right over the 
 arch. Then insert your lever, and endeavour to 
 raise the parts ; and as you do so, the eyelids will 
 gradually open. If the bone is fractured into many 
 pieces, clean and remove them, and then treat as a 
 simple wound. 
 
 Fractures of the bones of the neck, back, pelvis, 
 and limbs are as a rule attended with fatal con- 
 sequences. In such cases there is generally little 
 difficulty in arriving at a correct conclusion both as to 
 the seat and cause of the inability of the animal to 
 move ; for the evidences presented soon leave little 
 room for doubt, by showing that the animal has a 
 broken back or a broken leg, as the case may be ; 
 therefore to enter into a description of these is 
 scarcely necessary. All that is required is to be 
 convinced that such is the case ere you order the 
 animal to be slaughtered. 
 
160 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 DISEASES OF THE EYE, Etc. 
 Gutta Serena. 
 
 In this disease the pupil becomes round, dilated, 
 fixed, and insensible to light. In health, when the 
 eye is exposed to a strong light it contracts, and in 
 a weaker light it dilates ; but in this complaint the 
 eye is brighter than usual. It may attack one or 
 both eyes, and may be partial or complete. 
 
 Causes. — Error in feeding; stomach-staggers; milk 
 fever, &c. As a rule it is incurable ; but if only 
 arising from error in feeding, remove the cause and 
 the effect will cease. Apply hot fomentations. Give 
 a dose of physic and blister the cheek, &c, but if 
 there is no change for the better after this treat- 
 ment, you may abandon all hope. 
 
 Simple Ophthalmia 
 
 may be caused by a blow or common cold, or by any 
 irritant that penetrates the organ of vision. 
 
 Symptoms. — Partial closing and swelling of the 
 eyelids, with increased secretion of tears flowing 
 down the cheeks, and corroding the skin with a 
 kind of blue scum spreading over the whole extent 
 of the eye. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply hot fomentations, and when 
 
EPIZOOTIC APHTHAE. 161 
 
 the swelling is very great, scarify the eyelids. Give 
 also an aperient, applying likewise a weak solution 
 of Goulard's Extract I ounce, tincture of opium I 
 ounce, water i pint, and keep the animal in a dark 
 place. There are many other diseases that the eye 
 is liable to, into the respective symptoms and appear- 
 ances of which it would perhaps be of little avail to 
 enter; in such cases the help of a professional man 
 is required in order to advise the best course to adopt. 
 These diseases comprise cataracts, melanosis, fungus, 
 hsematodes, worms in the eye, tumours, &c, all of 
 which require watchful care in their treatment, owing 
 to the extreme delicacy of the organ affected. 
 
 Epizootic Aphthae, or Foot-and-Mouth Disease. 
 
 When this disease first made its appearance in 
 this country, it spread with alarming rapidity, and 
 caused widespread consternation throughout the 
 whole land; but now, owing to the well-directed 
 vigilance of the Privy Council Veterinary Depart- 
 ment, such devastation is scarcely possible. It affects 
 all warm-blooded animals (but seldom attacks man 
 or the horse), irrespective of class, colour, conforma- 
 tion, or age. It resembles to a certain extent small- 
 pox, but differs in other particulars, for it will attack 
 the same animal more than once. It may be defined 
 as a febrile disease, sometimes involving the whole 
 alimentary canal, the principal cause being con- 
 
 L 
 
162 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 tagicm, while atmospheric influence has a great deal 
 to do with it. 
 
 Symptoms. — The mouth is hot and tender, saliva 
 dripping therefrom ; partially chewed food is dropped, 
 and the fetlocks are enlarged and painful. Vesicles 
 appear along the mouth, which burst about twenty- 
 four hours after their formation ; and in milch-cows 
 we have swelling of the udder and great tenderness, 
 with vesicles. Few cases, however, when rightly 
 managed, have much fever unless the udder is 
 involved ; in those cases where it is so, the secretion 
 of milk is diminished, while the teats are so sore 
 that they cannot be touched; if so, use the syphon. 
 Again, it not unfrequently happens that the udder is 
 left in a hard, indurated condition, and sometimes 
 the teats slough off altogether. 
 
 Like' other eruptive diseases, this one runs a pre- 
 scribed course, which it generally accomplishes in 
 fifteen days ; anything that has a tendency to inter- 
 rupt this course is injurious.' 
 
 Treatment. — Allow soft sloppy food of an easily 
 digestible nature, as the mouth, throat, and digestive 
 organs are in an irritable condition. Opening medi- 
 cine must be given if required, but great caution 
 is to be exercised in its administration. The mouth 
 should be washed out with a mild solution of alum. 
 The feet, if hot and tender, should be bathed with 
 tepid water, or placed in poultices ; and if the 
 vesicles have burst, apply cold water, with a mild 
 
SANGUINEOUS ASCITES, OE KED-WATER. 163 
 
 astringent dressing; above all, cleanliness must be 
 strictly enforced, or sloughing will set in. The udder, 
 if hard, should be well fomented both before and 
 after milking, and glycerine applied to the teats, 
 while care should be taken not to allow the milk 
 to accumulate. The disease as a rule only exhausts 
 itself after invading the whole stock ; therefore the 
 healthy ought to be separated from the unhealthy 
 animals, and disinfectants employed, the best being 
 carbolic acid, as it possesses the power of destroying 
 all organised life in putrefying solutions, while ex- 
 periments have proved that virus loses its reproduc- 
 tive powers when exposed to its vapours, which can 
 easily be accomplished. If you pour a little carbolic 
 acid upon a red-hot coal or iron, it will penetrate 
 everything within reach, and thus effectually destroy 
 contagion. 
 
 Sanguineous Ascites, or Red-Water. 
 
 In Scotland this disease generally affects cows 
 after calving, but in England and Ireland it occurs 
 at any time, and at any age. When it affects cows 
 after calving, the attack is often very acute, and 
 reaches its climax in about three or four days. It 
 is essentially a blood-disease, consisting in an altera- 
 tion of its constituents; it is said that there is an 
 abstraction of albumen and organic salts from the 
 blood. The hsp,matin or red colouring matter of the 
 
164 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 blood exudes through the coats, and becomes mixed 
 with the urine. 
 
 The Causes which produce this state of matters are 
 various. No doubt the vessels themselves are in 
 a weakened or debilitated condition, but animals 
 feeding on rank wet grass that is deficient in nutri- 
 ent qualities may be predisposed to it. Some go 
 so far as to say that frosted turnips will produce it. 
 My own impression is that it is entirely due to 
 poverty of the blood ; for with poor blood we cannot 
 expect a strong muscular system. 
 
 Symptoms are appetite and rumination suspended 
 or irregular ; also a gradual diminution of milk, which 
 becomes thin, watery, and frothy. Urine at first of 
 a pink colour, with increased quantity; diarrhoea, 
 which gradually gives way to constipation; the 
 urine becomes blacker and more blood-like ; breath- 
 ing greatly accelerated ; the heart also is involved ; 
 ears and horns cold ; animal gets weaker and weaker, 
 and dies from sheer exhaustion. 
 
 Treatment. — In the first place, give one pound of 
 Epsom salts ; sulphur, quarter of a pound ; croton 
 oil, half a drachm, made up with treacle, one pound ; 
 follow this up with stimulants three or four times 
 during the day, to which you can add ginger or 
 gentian along with well-boiled gruel ; allow the 
 patient gentle exercise and as much good, pure, cold 
 water as she can drink, with chlorate of potash, two 
 ounces, dissolved in it. 
 
TYPHOID FEVER IN CALVES. 165 
 
 Typhoid Fever in Calves. 
 
 This is comparatively a new disease, having only 
 quite recently made its appearance. It was first 
 observed near London, and attacks animals ranging 
 from two to ten or twelve weeks old in a very 
 abrupt and sudden manner. It is usually ushered 
 in by diarrhoea. The patient becomes cold about 
 the ears and extremities ; the mouth hot ; great pro- 
 stration. In fact, the little sufferer cannot stand, the 
 muscles of the body feeling soft and flabby ; it lies 
 with its head down ; eyes dull and listless ; sleeps a 
 great deal ; has no appetite and no thirst ; the excre- 
 tions become more and more affected. This state of 
 matters gets gradually worse, and unless careful nurs- 
 ing is adopted, death will be the result in two days. 
 Sometimes there is tympanitis and irritation of the 
 bowels ; at other times the lungs are affected, in 
 which case there is frothing at the mouth, death 
 soon occurring from suffocation. 
 
 Post - mortem Appearances. — Thin, dark, watery 
 blood ; moist, soft, and easily broken down, the body 
 soon passes into a state of putrefaction. There are 
 extravasation and patches of congestion on the 
 fourth stomach and throughout the intestines ; the 
 liver and spleen are congested, while the lungs are 
 engorged with dark-coloured blood. Lambs are also 
 liable to this disease, and manifest the same symp- 
 toms as calves. Close, overcrowded places assist in 
 
166 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 its production, and in some instances the disease 
 has been traced to the cow. 
 
 Treatment. — Although many calves perish, that is 
 no reason why remedies should not be employed. 
 Many people, however, are indifferent about the suffer- 
 ings of a calf only a few weeks old, and care not how 
 soon they are rid of the annoyance ; therefore they 
 will not be at the trouble to bestow a passing thought 
 upon the patient, but allow it to linger on or die, as 
 the case may be. Those, however, who are actuated 
 by a humane desire to alleviate suffering, may 
 proceed as follows with this disease : — As soon as 
 you witness the first symptoms, give a small dose of 
 castor-oil. If the patient is dull and listless, stimu- 
 lants and tonics must be employed regularly and at 
 short intervals, say every two hours. Administer 
 two ounces of port- wine, with twenty or thirty drops 
 of the liquor ammonise acetatis ; or instead, one ounce 
 of gin or whisky, with about eight ounces of newly 
 drawn milk, every four hours. When the bowels 
 are in a relaxed state, add about four ounces of 
 lime-water. 
 
 Calves recover very slowly from this disease, and 
 it is some time before they regain their usual ap- 
 petite. When the milk appears to pass through 
 undigested, well-boiled wheaten gruel may be given, 
 sweetened with sugar or treacle. This remedy is 
 of great service in white scour also. 
 
VARIOLA, OK SMALLPOX. 167 
 
 An Eruptive Disease called Variola, or 
 Smallpox. 
 
 This is a disease now of somewhat less interest 
 than before the discovery of vaccination. It is of 
 a very contagious nature, and is supposed to have 
 been introduced into Europe from Asia. It is char- 
 acterised by fever, with pustules appearing from the 
 third to the fifth day, these suppurating from the 
 eighth to the tenth. It possesses all the distinctive 
 properties of the major exanthemata. It is capable 
 of being produced by inoculation ; and this inocu- 
 lated smallpox communicates the disease as readily 
 through the air as the natural smallpox, or that 
 received without inoculation. Cowpox is, however, 
 a very simple disease, and only affects the udder 
 and teats. The bull also may become affected 
 through inoculation. It is a malady that arises 
 spontaneously in some cases, the causes being un- 
 known. The symptoms are, first slight fever, with 
 red blush on the udder and teats ; this dies away, 
 and is followed by patches of red, with a white spot 
 in their centre. These continue two or three days, 
 and then become hard and nodulated. The skin is 
 now raised up in the form of vesicles, due to in- 
 flammation of the true skin ; but this is soon relieved 
 by effusion. 
 
 Treatment consists in keeping the animal comfort- 
 able, giving opening medicine, also applying fomen- 
 
168 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 
 
 tations to the udder and teats ; in very severe cases 
 poultice. The secretion of milk is not arrested ; it 
 may, however, be necessary to support the udder by 
 a bandage. Give nitre in the water to drink, which 
 will be all that is required. 
 
 Rinderpest, or Cattle Plague. 
 
 When this disease first made its appearance it 
 spread rapidly over the country. It did not break 
 out spontaneously, but was imported from abroad. 
 The home of the disease seems to be the southern 
 part of the Eussian empire. 
 
 Some writers assert that it never arises spon- 
 taneously, but is an epizootic. This is an open 
 question. It may be defined as an eruptive fever 
 of a very contagious nature, due to some poison 
 in the blood, the exact nature of which is not 
 known. After the poison is introduced it re- 
 mains latent for some time; this may vary from 
 seven to eight days, — not less, however, than five, 
 and never more than nine. During this period we 
 have the poison gradually developing, when the 
 symptoms begin to appear. First, there is a rise of 
 the temperature of the body ; this warmth soon gives 
 way to coldness ; in the course of two days we have 
 an eruption taking place in the mouth and other 
 parts, and on the fourth day the disease is fully 
 developed. Appetite and rumination are entirely 
 
RINDERPEST, OR CATTLE PLAGUE. 169 
 
 suspended; there is matter running from the eyes 
 and nose ; twitching of the muscles of the shoulder, 
 accompanied by shivering and shaking of the head ; 
 the ears hang pendulous, feet drawn together, back 
 arched, and altogether the animal has a very miser- 
 able and neglected appearance. As the malady 
 advances the patient lies down and groans and 
 coughs a good deal ; in the latter stages diarrhoea sets 
 in, which increases to dysentery, when death closes 
 the scene. Sheep present much the same symptoms, 
 when attacked, as cattle. 
 
 In almost all cases rinderpest is accompanied with 
 liver-disease. 
 
 Treatment. — Everything has been tried for this 
 disease, but with little success. Some practitioners 
 recommend linseed-oil, turpentine, and opium — some 
 one thing, and some another. It is always a very 
 unwelcome visitor, and one that requires preven- 
 tive measures to be strictly enforced, for iu this 
 course lies our security. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abortion, 96. 
 
 Abscesses in the lungs, 70. 
 Aphtha, or thrush, 125. 
 Apoplexy, parturient, 100. 
 Arteries, diseases of the, 86. 
 Ascites, or dropsy, 47. 
 Atrophy of the heart, 85. 
 Biliary calculi, or gall-stones, 53. 
 Black leg, splenic apoplexy, black 
 
 quarter, or quarter ill, 122. 
 Black quarter, quarter ill, black 
 
 leg, or splenic apoplexy, 122. 
 Bladder, inflammation of the, or 
 
 cystitis, 91. 
 Bladder, rupture of the, 94. 
 Bloody flux, or dysentery, 44. 
 Bloody urine, or hematuria, 91. 
 Bone, caries and necrosis of, 130. 
 Bone, diseases of the, 128. 
 Bone, fractures of, 157. 
 Bones, composition of the, 126. 
 Bowels, inflammation of the, or 
 
 enteritis, 45. 
 Brain, water in the, or hydroce- 
 phalus, 118. 
 Bronchitis, or inflammation of the 
 
 bronchial tubes, 62. 
 Burns and scald's, 151. 
 Caries and necrosis of bone, 1 30. 
 Catarrh, or common cold, 59. 
 Cattle-plague, or rinderpest, 168. 
 Choking, 14. 
 
 Chorea, or St. Vitus's Dance, 113. 
 Cold, common, or catarrh, 59. 
 Colie, 45. 
 Constipation, 42. 
 Cystitis, or inflammation of the 
 
 bladder, 91. 
 
 Definition of disease, 9. 
 Degeneration, 54. 
 Description of diseases, 2. 
 Description of the intestines, 41. 
 Diabetes, 89. 
 Diarrhoea, 42. 
 
 Diarrhoea, white scour in calves, 43. 
 Digestion, diseases of the acces- 
 sory organs of, 49. 
 Digestion, functional processes of, 
 
 4- 
 Dilatation of the heart, 84. 
 Diseases affecting the circulatory 
 
 organs, 83. 
 Diseases after calving, 97. 
 Disease, definition of, 9. 
 Disease, description of, 2. 
 Diseases of the accessory organs oi 
 
 digestion, 49. 
 Diseases of the arteries, 86. 
 Diseases of the blood, 119. ' 
 Diseases of the bone, 128. 
 Diseases of the eye, 1 60. 
 Diseases of the generative organs, 
 
 92. 
 Diseases of the nervous system, 
 
 . io 5- + 
 
 Diseases of the organs of respira- 
 tion, 56. 
 
 Diseases of the skin, 147. 
 
 Diseases of the urinary organs, 88. 
 
 Diseases of the veins, 87. 
 
 Dyspepsia in calves, 44. 
 
 Dropsy of the heart's bag, or hy- 
 drops pericarde, 84. 
 
 Dropsy, or ascites, 47. 
 
 Dropsy, ovarian, 93. 
 
 Dysentery, or bloody flux, 44. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 171 
 
 Enchondroma, or tumour on the 
 sternum or chest, 130. 
 
 Enteritis, or inflammation of the 
 bowels, 45. 
 
 Epilepsy, or falling sickness, 115. 
 
 Epizootic aphthae, or foot-and- 
 mouth disease, 161. 
 
 Erysipelas, 120. 
 
 Eye, diseases of the, 160. 
 
 Falling sickness, or epilepsy, 115. 
 
 Fardel-bound, or impaction, 20. 
 
 Fatty degeneration of the heart, 
 86. 
 
 Fever, parturient, 97. 
 
 Foot-and-mouth disease, or epi- 
 zootic aphthae, 161. 
 
 Fractures of hone, 157. 
 
 Functional processes of digestion, 
 
 4- 
 Gall-stones, or biliary calculi, 53. 
 Gangrene, 11. 
 
 Giddiness, megrims, or vertigo, 114. 
 Glossanthrax, or carbuncle of the 
 
 tongue, 124. 
 Glossitis, or inflammation of the 
 
 tongue, 10. 
 Glossitis, the terminations of, 11. 
 Glossocele, or prolapsus linguae, 
 
 13- 
 
 Grass staggers, 39. 
 
 Gutta serena, 160. 
 
 Hsematuria, or bloody urine, 91. 
 
 Heart, atrophy of the, 85. 
 
 Heart, dilatation of the, 84. 
 
 Heart, fatty degeneration of the, 
 86. 
 
 Heart, hypertrophy of the, 85. 
 
 Heart, inflammation of the cover- 
 ing oi the, or pericarditis, 83. 
 
 Heart, rupture of, 86. 
 
 Hepatitis, chronic, 51. 
 
 Hepatitis, or inflammation of the 
 liver, 49. 
 
 Hoose in calves, 64. 
 
 Hydrocephalus, or water in the 
 brain, 118. 
 
 Hydrops pericarde, or dropsy of 
 the heart's bag, 84. 
 
 Hypertrophy oi the heart, 85. 
 
 Hypertrophy, or chronic enlarge- 
 ment of the liver, 54. 
 Hysteria, 117. 
 
 Icterus, jaundice, or yellows, 52. 
 Impaction of the first stomach, 9. 
 Impaction, or fardel-bound, 20. 
 Inflammation, 23. 
 Inflammation, the terminations of, • 
 
 32. 
 Intestines, description of the, 41. 
 Introduction, 1. 
 
 Jaundice, yellow, or icterus, 52. 
 Joints, open, 150. 
 Kidneys, inflammation of the, or 
 
 nephritis, 90. 
 Larynx, inflammation of the, or 
 
 laryngitis, 60. 
 Laryngitis, or inflammation of the 
 
 larynx, 60. 
 Leucorrhcea, or the whites, 92. 
 Liver, chronic enlargement of the, 
 
 or hypertrophy, 54. 
 Liver, inflammation of the, or 
 
 hepatitis, 49. 
 Lock-jaw, or tetanus, 105. 
 Lungs, abscesses in the, 70. 
 Lungs, inflammation of the, or 
 
 pneumonia, 67. 
 Lungs, structure of the, 66. 
 Mammitis, or inflammation of the 
 
 udder, 103. 
 Megrims, vertigo, or giddiness, 
 
 114. 
 Mollities ossium, 129. 
 Necrosis, 131. 
 Nephritis, or inflammation of the 
 
 kidneys, 90. 
 Ophthalmia, simple, 160. 
 Osteo-porosis, 129. 
 Osteo-sarcoma, or fleshy and bone 
 
 tumour, 130. 
 Pancreas, the, 55. 
 Parturition, 94. 
 Pericarditis, or inflammation 
 
 affecting the covering of the 
 
 heart, 83. 
 Peritonitis, 47. 
 Pleurae, inflammation of the, or 
 
 pleurisy, 71. 
 
172 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Pleurisy, morbid changes of, 72. 
 Pleurisy, or inflammation of the 
 
 pleurae, 71. 
 Pleuro-pneumonia, 77. 
 Pneumonia, or inflammation of 
 
 the lungs, 67. 
 Prolapsus ani and uteri, 48. 
 Prolapsus linguae, or glossoeele, 13. 
 Quarter ill, black leg, splenic 
 
 apoplexy, or black quarter, 1 22. 
 Rachitis, 128. 
 Red-water, or sanguineous ascites, 
 
 163. 
 Respiration, diseases of the organs 
 
 of, 56. 
 Rinderpest, or cattle plague, 168. 
 Ringworm, 148. 
 Rumination, 6. 
 Rupture of the heart, 86. 
 St. Vitus's dance, or chorea, 113. 
 Sanguineous ascites, or red-water, 
 
 162. 
 Scalds and burns, 151. 
 Skin, diseases of the, 147. 
 Smallpox, or variola, 167. 
 Spleen, the, 56. 
 Splenic apoplexy, black quarter, 
 
 black ill, or black leg, 1 22. 
 Sternum or chest, tumour on the, 
 
 or enchondroma, 1 30. 
 Stomach, distension of the first, 
 
 tympanitis, or hoven, 17. 
 Stomach, impaction of the first, 9. 
 Stomach, the second, 20. 
 Structure of the lungs, 66. 
 Terminations of inflammation, the, 
 
 32- 
 Tetanus, or lock-jaw, 105. 
 
 Thrush, or aphthae, 125. 
 
 Tissue, repair of, 152. 
 
 Tongue, carbuncle of the, or gloss- 
 anthrax, 124. 
 
 Tongue, inflammation of the, or 
 glossitis, to. 
 
 Trachea, the, or windpipe, 61. 
 
 Tuberculosis, 81. 
 
 Tumour, fleshy and bone, or osteo- 
 sarcoma, 130. 
 
 Tumours, 132. 
 
 Tumours, calcareous, 141. 
 
 Tumours, cartilaginous, or enchon- 
 dromatis, 143. 
 
 Tumours, encysted, 142. 
 
 Tumours, fatty, 141. 
 
 Tumours, non-malignant, 137. 
 
 Tumours, melanotic, 143. 
 
 Tumours, scrofulous, 145. 
 
 Tympanitis, hoven, or distension 
 of the first stomach, 1 7. 
 
 Typhoid fever in calves', 165. ; 
 
 Udder, inflammation of the, v, or 
 mammitis, 103. 
 
 Urinary organs, diseases of the, 
 88. 
 
 Uterus or womb, inflammation of 
 the, 93. 
 
 Uterus or womb, inversion of the, 
 
 93- 
 Variftla, or smallpox, 167. 
 Veins, diseases of the, 87. 
 White scour in calves, diarrho?a, 
 
 43- 
 Whites, the, or leucorrhoea, 92. 
 Windpipe, the, or trachea, 61. 
 Wounds, 148. 
 Wounds, healing of, 153. 
 
 PRIPTIEU »Y BALLANTYNK, HANSOM AND CO. 
 EDINBURGH AND LONDON. 
 
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