112 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



In the third stage, if the disease is going to terminate favor- 

 ably, the cough becomes loose, the animal improves, the appetite 

 returns, and the symptoms above detailed rapidly subside; but if, 

 on the other hand, resolution is not progressing, the lung sub- 

 stance is broken down, is heavy, and will sink in water. In fatal 

 cases the breath has a peculiar fetid, cadaverous odor, and is taken 

 in short gasps; the horns, ears, and extremities become cold and 

 clammy, and the Dulse is imperceptible. On auscultation, when 

 suppuration is taking place and the lung structure is breaking 

 down, a bubbling or gurgling crepitation, caused by the passage 

 of air through pus, will be heard. 



Treatment. Good hygienic surroundings and good nursing 

 are essential in connection with the medical treatment. The prob- 

 ability of recovery depends largely on the extent of the lung tissue 

 involved, as well as on the intensity of the inflammatory process. 

 In the early stage, when the fever is high, give febrifuges. If the 

 pulse be strong and full, aconite (Fleming's tincture, 1 to 2 drams, 

 every four or five hours) may be given for a short time, but should 

 be discontinued as soon as the fever begins to abate. Aconite is a 

 valuable drug in the hands of the intelligent practitioner, but my 

 experience leads me to believe that not infrequently animals are 

 lost by its injudicious use, for in many febrile conditions it is posi- 

 tively contraindicated, owing to its action upon the heart. In a 

 plethoric animal, with a strong, bounding pulse, bleeding may be 

 resorted to instead of administering aconite. If the bowels are con- 

 stipated, give calomel, 1 to 3 drams, which acts as a cathartic and a 

 febrifuge. In the second stage diffusible stimulants are required, 

 viz. : Spirits of nitrous ether, 2 ounces; aromatic spirits of ammonia, 

 1 ounce; mix, and give in gruel three times daily. If the above is 

 not at hand, give an alcoholic stimulant. Half a pint of brandy 

 or whisky may be given in a quart of gruel three times daily. In 

 some cases carbonate of ammonia, 2 to 5 drams, has been found 

 beneficial. Most practitioners apply counterirritants externally, 

 such as mustard plasters, turpentine, and ammonia liniment, or 

 cantharides. 



EMPHYSEMA (HEAVES). 



Emphysema consists of a rupture of the minute air vesicles 

 of the lung substance, and may be either interlobular or vesicular. 

 There is an extreme interference with respiration, inspiration being 

 short and expiration prolonged. It is a nonfebrile condition, in 

 which the appetite is not decreased and the milk secretion is kept 

 up. It may be caused by an attack of asthma, or may result from 

 chronic bronchitis. The disease can be diagnosed by the marked 

 interference with respiration. The animal, as a rule, is emaciated, 

 has a staring coat, and is hidebound. If percussion is resorted to, 

 the animal's chest will give a tympanic, drum-like sound. The 

 normal resonant sound is exaggerated. 



Treatment. The disease is incurable, and only a palliative 

 form of treatment can be carried out. The destruction of the ani- 



