INFLAMMATORY DISEASES.

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH, (Gastritis.)

Such a complicated piece of mechanism is the stomach of the ox, that organ is particularly liable to disease. Inflammation, being the same as local fever, (or a high grade of vital power, concentrated within a small space,) may be produced by over-feeding, irritating and indigestible food, or acrid, poisonous, and offensive medicines. The farmer must remember that a small quantity of good, nutritious food, capable of being easily penetrated by the gastric fluids, will repair the waste that is going on, and improve the condition with more certainty than an abundance of indifferent provender.

Cure.—The first indication will be to allay the irritability of the stomach; this will moderate the irritation and lessen the fever. Make a mucilaginous drink of slippery elm, or marshmallows, and give half a pint every two hours. All irritating food and drink must be carefully avoided, and the animal must be kept quiet; all irritating cordials, "including the popular remedy, gin and molasses," must be avoided. These never fail to increase the malady, and may occasion death. If there is an improper accumulation of food in the viscera, the remedies will be, relaxing clysters, abstinence from food, and a tea of sassafras and mandrake, made thus:—

Sassafras, (laurus sassafras,1 ounce.
Mandrake, (podophyllum peltatum,)4 drachms.
Boiling water,2 quarts.

Let the mixture stand until quite cool, and give a pint every four hours.

Almost all animals, when suffering under acute symptoms, require diluting, cooling drinks. This at once points out the use of water, or any weak gruel of which water is the basis; the necessity of diluting liquors is pointed out by the heat and dryness of the mouth, and rigidity of the coat.

When the thirst is great, the following forms a grateful and cooling beverage: Take lemon balm, (melissa officinalis,) two ounces; boiling water, two quarts; when cool, strain, and add half a tea-spoonful of cream of tartar. Give half a pint at intervals of two hours.

If the stomach continues to exhibit a morbid state, which may be known by a profuse discharge of saliva from the mouth, then administer camomile tea in small quantities: the addition of a little powdered charcoal will prove beneficial.

Remarks.—Gastritis cannot be long present without other parts of the system sharing the disturbance: it is then termed gastric fever. This fever is the result of the local affection. Our object is, to get rid of the local affection, and the fever will subside. Authors have invariably recommended destructive remedies for the cure of gastritis; but they generally fail of hitting the mark, and always do more or less injury.

A light diet, rest, a clean bed of straw in a well-ventilated barn, will generally perfect the cure.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, (Pneumonia.)

Causes.—Errors in feeding, over-exertion, exposure in wet pastures, or suffering the animal, when in a state of perspiration, to partake too bountifully of cold water, are among the direct causes of a derangement of vital equilibrium. Want of pure air for the purpose of vitalizing the blood, the inhalation of noxious gases, and filth and uncleanliness, may produce this disease in its worst form; yet it must be borne in mind that the same exciting causes will not develop the same form of disease in all animals. It altogether depends on the amount of vital resistance, or what is termed the peculiar idiosyncrasy of the animal. On the other hand, several animals often suffer from the same form of disease, from causes varying in their general character. Hence the reader will see that it would be needless, in fact impossible, to point to the direct cause in each grade of disease. The least obstruction to universal vital action will produce pneumonia in some animals, while in others it may result in disease of the bowels.

Cure.—No special treatment can be successfully pursued in pneumonia; for the lungs are not the only organs involved: no change of condition can occur in the animal functions without the nervous system being more or less deranged; for the latter is essential to all vital motions. Hence disease, in every form, should be treated according to its indications. A few general directions may, however, be found useful. The first indication to be fulfilled is to equalize the blood. Flannels saturated with warm vinegar should be applied to the extremities; they may be folded round the legs, and renewed as often as they grow cold. Poultices of slippery elm, applied to the feet, as hot as the animal can bear them, have sometimes produced a better result than vinegar. If the animal has shivering fits, and the whole surface is chilled, apply warmth and moisture as recommended in article "Locked-Jaw." At the same time, endeavor to promote the insensible perspiration by the internal use of diaphoretics—lobelia or thoroughwort tea. A very good diaphoretic and anti-spasmodic drink may be made thus:—

Lobelia, (herb)2 ounces.
Spearmint,1 ounce.
Boiling water,2 quarts.

Let the above stand for a few minutes; strain, then add two table-spoonfuls of honey. Give half a pint every hour, taking care to pour it down the œsophagus very gently, so as to insure its reaching the fourth or true digestive stomach. The following clyster must be given:—

Powdered Lobelia,2 ounces.
Boiling water,3 quarts.

When sufficiently cool, inject with a common metal syringe.

These processes should be repeated as the symptoms require, until the animal gives evidence of relief; when a light diet of thin gruel will perfect the cure. It must ever be borne in mind that in the treatment of all forms of disease—those of the lungs more especially—the animal must have pure, uncontaminated atmospheric air, and that any departure from purity in the air which the animal respires, will counteract all our efforts to cure.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS,
(Enteritis,—Inflammation Of the Fibro-Muscular Coat of the Intestines.)

Character.—Acute pain; the animal appears restless, and frequently turns his head towards the belly; moans, and appears dull; frequent small, hard pulse; cold feet and ears.

Causes.—Plethora, costiveness, or the sudden application of cold either internally or externally, overworking, &c.

Cure.—In the early stages of the disease, all forms of medication that are in any way calculated to arouse the peristaltic motion of the intestines should be avoided; hence purges are certain destruction. Relax the muscular structure by the application of a blanket or horse-cloth wrung out in hot water. In this disease, it is generally sufficient to apply warmth and moisture as near the parts affected as possible; yet if the ears and legs are cold, the general application of warmth and moisture will more speedily accomplish the relaxation of the whole animal. After the application of the above, injections of a mild, soothing character (slippery elm, or flaxseed tea) should be used very liberally. A drink of any mucilaginous, lubricating, and innocent substance may be given, such as mallows, linseed, Iceland moss, slippery elm. During convalescence, the diet must be light and of an unirritating character, such as boiled carrots, scalded meal, &c.

INFLAMMATION OF TILE PERITONEAL COAT OF THE INTESTINES, (Peritonitis.)

This disease requires the same treatment as the latter malady.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS, (Nephritis.)

The usual symptoms are a quick pulse; loss of appetite; high-colored urine, passed in small quantities, with difficulty and pain. Pressure on the loins gives pain, and the animal will shrink on placing the hand over the region of the kidneys.

Causes.—Cold, external injury, or injury from irritating substances, that are often sent full tilt through the kidneys, as spirits of turpentine, gin and molasses, saleratus. It is unnecessary to detail all the causes of the disease: suffice it to say, that they exist in any thing that can for a time obstruct the free and full play of the different functions.

Treatment.—This, too, will consist in the invitation of the blood to the surface and extremities, and by removing all irritating matter from the system, in the same manner as for inflammation of the bowels. The application of a poultice of ground hemlock, or a charge of gum hemlock, will generally be found useful. The best drinks—and these should only be allowed in small quantities—are gum arabic and marshmallow decoctions.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER, (Cystitis.)

During the latter months of pregnancy, the bladder is often in an irritable state, and a frequent desire to void the urine is observed, which frequently results from constipation. A peculiar sympathy exists between the bladder and rectum; and when constipation is present, there is a constant effort on the part of the animal to void the excrement. This expulsive action also affects the bladder: hence the frequent efforts to urinate. The irritable state of the bladder is caused by the pressure of the loaded rectum on the neck of the former.

The common soap-suds make a good injection, and will quickly soften the hardened excrement; after which the following clyster may be used:—

Linseed tea,3 quarts.
Cream of tartar,1 ounce.

After throwing into the rectum about one third of the above, press the tail on the anus. The object is, to make it act as a fomentation in the immediate vicinity of the parts. After the inflammation shall have subsided, administer the following in a bottle, or horn:—

Powdered blackroot, (leptandra virginica,)half an ounce.
Warm water,1 pint.

Repeat the dose, if the symptoms are not relieved.

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB.

This may be treated in the same manner as the last-named disease. The malady may be recognized by lassitude, loss of appetite, diminution in the quantity, and deterioration in the quality, of the milk. As the disease advances, there is often a fetid discharge from the parts; a constant straining, which is attended with a frequent flow of urine.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, (Phrenitis.)

In this disease, the pia mater, arachnoid membrane, or the brain itself, may be inflamed. It matters very little which of the above are deranged, for the means of cure are the same. We have no method of making direct application to either of the above, as they all lie within the cranium. Neither can we act upon them medicinally except through the organs of secretion, absorption, and circulation. Post mortem examinations reveal to us evident marks of high inflammatory action, both in the substance of the brain and in its membranes; and an effusion of blood, serum, or of purulent matter, has been found in the ventricles of the brain.

Treatment.—The indications are, to equalize the circulation by warmth and moisture externally, and maintain the action to the surface by rubbing the legs with the following counter-irritant:—

Vinegar,1 quart.
Common salt,2 ounces.

Set the mixture on the fire, (in an earthen vessel,) and allow it to simmer for a few moments; then apply it to the legs. After the circulation is somewhat equalized, give the following drench:—

Extract of butternut,half an ounce.
Tea of hyssop,1 pint.

A stimulating clyster may then be given, composed of warm water, into which a few grains of powdered capsicum may be sprinkled.

If due attention be paid to counter-irritation, and the head kept cool by wet cloths, the chances of recovery are pretty certain.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

This disease is too well known to require any description; we shall therefore, at once, proceed to point out the ways and means for its cure.

Treatment.—First wash the eyes with a weak decoction of camomile flowers until they are well cleansed; then give a cooling drink, composed of

Cream of tartar,1 ounce.
Decoction of lemon balm,1 quart.

Repeat this drink every six hours, until the bowels am moved. Should the disease occur where these articles cannot be procured, give two ounces of common salt in a pint of water. Should the eye still continue red and swollen, give a dose of physic. (See Physic for Cattle.)

If a film can be observed, wash with a decoction of powdered bloodroot; and if a weeping remain, use the following astringent:—

Powdered bayberry bark,1 ounce.
Boiling water,1 pint.

When cool, pour off the clear liquor. It is then fit for use.

Inflammation of the eye may assume different forms, but the above treatment, combined with attention to rest, ventilation, a dark location, and a light diet, will cover the whole ground.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER, (Hepatitis.)

Cattle very frequently show signs of diseased liver. Stall-fed oxen and cows kept in cities are most liable to derangement of the liver; in such animals, (after death,) there is an unusual yellowness of the fat. A disease of the liver may exist for a long time without interfering much with the general health. Mr. Youatt informs us that "a chronic form of diseased liver may exist for some months, or years, not characterized by any decided symptom, and but little interfering with health."

Symptoms.—Permanent yellowness of the eyes; quick pulse; dry muzzle; hot mouth; considerable pain when pressure is made on the right side. Occasionally the animal looks round and licks the spot over the region of the liver.

Treatment.—First give half pint doses of thoroughwort tea, at intervals of one hour, (to the amount of two quarts.) This will relax the system, and equalize vital action. The following drench is then to be given:—

Extract of butternut,half an ounce.
Warm water,1 quart.

If the butternut cannot be obtained, substitute a dose of physic. (See Appendix.) Stimulate the bowels to action by injections of soap-suds. If the extremities are cold, proceed to warm them in the manner alluded to in article Inflammation of the Bowels. On the other hand, if the surface of the body is hot and dry, and there is much fever present, indicated by a quick pulse and dry muzzle, then bathe the whole surface with weak saleratus water, sufficiently warm to relax the external surface. The following fever drink may be given daily until rumination again commences:—

Lemon balm,2 ounces.
Cream of tartar,1 ounce.
Honey,1 gill.
Water,2 quarts.

First pour the boiling water on the balm; after standing a few minutes, strain; then add the above ingredients.