( 



AND CATTLE DOCTOR. 175 



INDIGESTION OR LOSS OF THE CUD. 



Mr. Lawrence says that in this disease, " the beast 

 mourns, and has no appetite, or drops its food without 

 attennpting to swallow it. Probably from defective 

 irritability in the fibres, or contracting muscles of the 

 rumen or cud-bag, the animal is unable to throw up 

 or ruminate, of course the bag remains loaded and 

 obstructed. The intention is to remove the obstruc- 

 tion and re-invigorate the animal fibres, Let the ani- 

 mal fast some time, then give a warm bran, or pollard 

 marsh, with good hay and warm water with salt. This 

 treatment alone may succeed with patience, even 

 should the maw be obstructed by acorns or crab- 

 apples. An aloes tincture made with brandy and 

 ginger or capsicum (red pepper) might be of use in 

 this case. After conquering the obstruction, bitter in- 

 fusions made of camomile, hardbound, oak bark, &c., 

 in beer, may be required, as restoratives, although 

 perhaps good dry nourishing feed will have an equally 

 good effect. 



It is remarked by Mr. White that " the earlier stages 

 of this complaint are not marked by very striking 

 symptoms. The animal has a dull, or languid appear- 

 ance ; and generally, a rough unhealthy coat and tight 

 skin. The appetite is diminished, and at length he 

 ceases to chew the cud. The eyes and mouth have 

 generally a yellow appearance. 



" To cure this disease, it should be attacked at an 

 early period ; for when the liver has become affected 

 in a considerable degree, it terminates fatally. Should 

 there be any appearance of costiveness, the following 

 warm laxative is first to be given ; more commonly, 

 however, the bowels are in a loose state, and the dung 



