458 AMERICAN CATTLE. 



by which nutriment is conveyed to the blood, is thereby 

 obstructed; at length atrophy and death will inevitably ensue. 



Cure. It is highly requisite that this disorder should be 

 attended to as soon as it is apparent. "With respect to its cure, 

 very considerable advantage will result from nursing and placing 

 the animal in a warm situation, and allowing him warm, nour- 

 ishing fluids, such as gruel, infusion of malt, &c. At, some sea- 

 sons of the year, colds are so prevalent as to be considered epi- 

 demic and infectious ; generally occurring with great violence, 

 and accompanied by fever ; considerable debility also ensues soon 

 after the attack. On this occasion, hot stimulating drenches, 

 though usually recommended, are very injurious. 



At the commencement of colds, bleeding is generally proper; 

 but should be avoided when the animal is very weak and low in 

 condition. The quantity of blood taken, ought rarely to exceed 

 two quarts. Should the animal be costive, a laxative drink may 

 be given; but if he purges or scours, the following powder may 

 be administered: 



Tincture of opium, ..... half an ounce, 



Antimonial powder, .... 2 drachms, 



Powdered ginger, . . . . .3 drachms, 



Camphor, ...... 1 drachm and a half. 



To be given in oatmeal gruel, and repeated after eight or ten hours, if it be found 

 necessary. 



Should there be found considerable difficulty in swallowing, 

 apply the following liniment, and let it be well rubbed about the 

 throat: 



Liquid ammonia, commonly termed spirits of sal-ammoniac, half an ounce, 

 Oil of turpentine, ...... 1 ounce, 



Common oil, .... ... 1 ounce. 



Mixed. 



In the case of common colds, it will be unnecessary to admin- 

 ister medicine, but the animal should be placed in some comfort- 

 able situation, and well attended to. Bleeding, in slight colds, is 

 rarely requisite ; except the animal, owing to a change of situa- 

 tion, becomes hot and feverish, and the eyes appear red, and the 

 flanks move quickly ; in which case, he must be bled copiously. 

 Should the animal prove costive, the laxative should also be 

 given. "When no feverish symptoms are apparent, the laxative 

 should be mixed with an ounce of caraway seeds, and three or 

 four drachms of ginger. 



When the distemper has been improperly treated, the animal 

 becomes extremely weak, and consequently his strength should 



