628 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



in some cases assume a chronic character, and in addition to the fore- 

 going symptons slight bloating, or tympanites, of the left flank may be 

 observed ; the animal breathes with effort and each respiration may 

 be accompanied by a grunt, the ears and horns are alternately hot and 

 cold, rumination ceases, the usual rumbling sound in the stomach is not 

 audible, the passage of dung is almost entirely suspended, and the ani- 

 mal passes only a little mucus occasionally. Sometimes there is alter- 

 nating constipation and diarrhea. There is low fever in many cases. 



The disease continues a few days or a week in the mild cases, while 

 the severe cases may last several weeks. In the latter form the ema- 

 ciation and loss of strength may be very great. There is no appetite, 

 no rumination, or peristalsis. The mouth is hot and sticky, the eyes 

 have receded in their sockets, and milk secretion has ceased. In such 

 cases the outlook for recovery is unfavorable. The patient falls away 

 in flesh and becomes weaker, as is shown by the fact that one fre- 

 quently finds it lying down. 



On examining animals which have died of this disease it is found 

 that the lining membrane of the fourth stomach and the intestines, 

 particularly the small intestines, is red, swollen, streaked with deeper 

 red or bluish lines or spotted. The lining of the first three stomachs is 

 more or less softened and may easily be peeled off. The third stomach 

 (psalter) contains dry, hard food masses closely adherent to its walls. 



In some cases the brain appears to become disordered, probably 

 from the pain and weakness and from the absorption of toxins gener- 

 ated in the digestive canal. In such cases there is weakness and an 

 unsteady gait, the animal does not appear to take notice of and will 

 consequently run against obstacles; after a time it falls down and 

 gives up to violent and disordered movements. This delirious condi- 

 tion is succeeded by coma or stupor, and death ensues. 



Treatment. — Small quantities of roots, sweet silage, or selected 

 grass or hay should be offered several times daily. Very little food 

 should be allowed. Aromatic and demulcent drafts may be given to 

 produce a soothing effect on the mucous lining of the stomachs and to 

 promote digestion. Two ounces of chamamile flowers should be boiled 

 for twenty minutes in a quart of water and the infusion on cooling 

 should be given to the affected animal. This may be repeated about 

 three times a day. When constipation is present the following purga- 

 tive may be administered: One pound of Glauber's salts dissolved in a 

 quart of linseed tea and a pint of molasses. After this purgative has 

 acted, If there is a lack of appetite and the animal does not ruminate 

 regularly, the powder mentioned in remarks on the treatment of 

 chronic tympanites may be given according to directions. The diet 

 must be rather laxative and of a digestible character after an attack 

 of this form of indigestion. Food should be given in moderate quan- 

 tities, as any excess by overtaxing the digestive functions may bring, 

 on a relapse. 



