DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 147 



The temperature, like the pulse, varies considerably in differ- 

 ent animals. The average normal temperature of cattle in con- 

 finement is about 101 deg. F.: in cattle at liberty, or oxen Lit 

 work, it runs up about 102 deg. F. In calves it runs up a little 

 higher, while in very old animals it is lower than the average 

 normal temperature. 



PERICARDITIS. 



This is an inflammation of the pericardium (sack surrounding 

 the heart), and occurs in all animals, especially cattle. 



. It may be induced by cold and damp stabling, ex- 

 posure and fatigue, from wounds caused by broken ribs, etc. 

 Pericarditis is often associated with rheumatism, influenza, pleu- 

 risy, and other debilitating diseases. 



. I'sually the disease abruptly manifests itself with 

 pain in moving, a short, painful cough, rapid and short breath- 

 ing. and high temperature, with a rapid and hard pulse. By 

 placing the ear against the left side of the chest behind the elbow 

 a rasping sound (known as the to-and-fro friction) may be heard. 

 In three or four days this sound may disappear, due to a disten- 

 tion of the pericardium with a watery fluid. When dropsy takes 

 place, death is quite sure to follow. 



Treatment. In the acute form, mix equal parts of tincture of 

 digitalis and tincture of aconite, and give 20 to 30 drops as a 

 drench every hour until the temperature becomes reduced. The 

 body should be clothed in blankets and the legs well bandaged. 

 If considerable pain is present give 2 ounces of tincture of opium 

 once or twice a day as a drench. Put nitrate or bicarbonate of 

 potassa, half an ounce, in drinking water every six hours: after 

 three or four days, iodide of potassa, in 2 dram doses, should be 



