PARTURIENT PARALYSIS OR MILK FEVER. 



189 



2 to 5 ounces powdered ginger, dose depending on size of cow 

 and condition of the bowels. Allow cows abundant exercise dur- 

 ing the last month of pregnancy and if a cow is nervous, leave 

 the calf with her for a few days. 



Treatment. —These cases require the highest skill in treat- 

 ment, and the afifected animals are usually valuable. For these 

 reasons stockmen should not attempt to treat these cases if com- 

 petent veterinary services may be had. A line of treatment is sug- 

 gested here only because cases often occur where it is not possi- 

 ble to obtain professional assistance. 



FIG. 70. PARTURIENT PARALYSIS. (J/. //. A'.) 

 Later stage. Head held unsteadily. 



The patient must not be allowed to lie flat on the side, but 

 should be propped up by means of bags of sand, bran or hay. so 

 that she lies on the sternum. If the head is thrown around vio- 

 lently, it should be supported by means of a rope tied to some 

 overhead support. The cow must also be kept thoroughly warm 

 and dry. Equalize circulation by vigorous applications to skin; 

 e. g., mustard and turpentine. Retain heat in cold weather by 4 

 or 5 blankets. Preserve quiet; draw urine twice daily with 

 catheter, and use large quantities of slightly irritating rectal in- 

 jections repeated several times daily, if necessary. Use alcoholic 

 preparations and nux vomica for stimulants and tonic effect. 



