Treatment.—A.A., should be given at first, a dose every fifteen minutes, and after an hour, a dose every thirty minutes, and after three or four hours, a dose once an hour, which should be continued until the disease yields; only should there be considerable gas or bloating, or extreme pain, a dose or two of F.F., may be interposed.
Accessory Means.—Hot water is a valuable adjunct in the treatment of the disease. It may be applied externally by steeping cloths in the water, and closely and compactly, but not too tightly applying them to the body and securing them by belts. Hot water may also be given, either as a drench or as an injection. The water must not be so hot as to scald the animal. The administration of A.A., as stated above, and hot water applied copiously to the body of the animal locally, and occasionally in doses of from a half-pint to a pint internally, will constitute the principal features of the treatment at the commencement of an attack. If applications of hot water are used, the animal should be afterwards rubbed dry and well covered with suitable dry cloths.
If discovered in time, an inflammation of the digestive organs will generally yield to the prompt use of the above remedies. Linseed tea, or oatmeal gruel, will form the most suitable diet.
Peritonitis—Inflammation of the Peritoneum
Inflammation of the membrane which invests the abdominal viscera is very similar to enteritis. It is rapid in its course, generally ending fatally in six or eight days.
Causes.—Lesions, contusions, and wounds of the walls of the abdomen; surgical operations, castration, sudden cold, infection while calving.
Symptoms.—Inflammatory fever; the animal shows great sensitiveness when the abdomen is touched, shrinking when any one approaches it, or flexing the painful part when it is touched; looks around at the seat of pain; generally there is swelling of the belly and tightness about the flanks. The beast rarely lies down, or, if it attempts it, rolls on its back; when standing, it keeps the extremities near the centre of gravity, and bends the back downward. The abdomen is hot, the ears and hoofs cold; the pulse rapid, short and wiry. The termination may be in acute ascites, in adhesions of the peritoneum, or in gangrene, the latter being recognized by sudden cessation of pain, small, weak and intermittent pulse, and rapid prostration.
Treatment.—The cause of the infection must first be removed, and this may require the assistance of a Veterinarian. A. A. is the proper medicine and should be given fifteen drops every half hour as long as there is any hope of a favorable termination. It will do all the good that any medicine can do.
Flukes, or Rottenness
This term is applied to the condition caused by the presence of fluke worms in the liver or bile ducts, where they sometimes exist in large numbers, causing great swelling of the liver.