DERANGEMENT OF THE LUNGS.
When the milch Cow is attacked, there is a diminution of the milk, and it has a ropy appearance and a saltish taste after being separated from the cream. The animal has a heavy appearance; the eyes being dull, with a stiffened staggering gait; the appetite is impaired, the nostrils and skin is of a yellow color, the bowels are generally costive, by pressing on the edge of the short ribs on the right side, the animal will shrink, indicating pain and tenderness. Remedy:—If any fever bleed, then follow with one or two drachms of calomel, 1 scruple of Opium, 2 drachms of ginger, give in gruel a few hours afterwards. Give 12 ounces epsom salt and half pint Linseed oil; the calomel and opium may be repeated twice a day, and the purgative also, until the bowels are sufficiently operated upon; the sides may also be blistered, and seton may also be inserted. If the animal should be left weak, use the following tonic drink:—Gentian root powder ½ oz., ginger 1 drachm, epsom salts 2 oz., mix the whole with a pint of warm water gruel, and give it morning and night.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
Causes:—It proceeds most commonly from redundancy of blood, or overflowing of the blood, by means of hastening the fattening too rapidly, or by turning in a rich pasture.
Symptoms:—In the early period of it, the beast is dull and stupid, he stands with his head protruding, or pressed against something for support, he refuses to eat, is unconscious of the surrounding objects, now and then suddenly drops as if he were shot, he starts up all at once, is fearless of any surrounding object, his eyes will become red starting from their sockets, will stagger about, falling and rising again and run against everything in his way, he will stamp, tear up the ground with its horns, run at every one within its reach, bellowing until nature is quite exhausted; trembling will then come over him, he will grind his teeth and saliva will pour from his mouth, every limb will be convulsed and he will presently fall and die.
Remedy:—The chief or only cure is bleeding, let the blood flow rapidly until he falls from the loss of blood. Setons should be placed on each side of the poll, and blistered on the forehead, then follow with heavy doses of physic, when relieved feed cautiously for a few weeks.
STAGGERS OR SWIMMING in THE HEAD.
Cause:—Starvation during the winter season, and being admitted into too fertile a pasture in the Spring, producing a redundancy of blood, which gives rise to the disease.
Symptoms:—Are heaviness, dullness, disposition to sleep, resting his head upon any convenient place, reels and staggers when he attempts to walk.
If this disease is not checked by bleeding, or purging, or proper management, it may terminate in inflammation of the brain or fever.