134 DISEASES OF CATTLE, SHEEP, GOATS, ETC. 



Symptoms. When not fatal, the symptoms vary much, accord- 

 ing to the severity of the shock. The animal usually falls, as from 

 an apoplectic attack, and, as a matter of course, the symptoms are 

 such as are generally manifested in connection with concussion of 

 the brain. The muscular system may be completely relaxed; the 

 legs limber ; the muscles flabby and soft to the touch, or there may be 

 convulsions, spasms, and twitching of the muscles. The breathing 

 is generally labored, irregular, or interrupted, and slower than 

 normal. 



In most instances the electrical fluid leaves its mark by singeing 

 the hair, or by inflicting wounds, burns, or blisters. Sir B. Brodie 

 tells a curious story of two bullocks, pied white and red, which were 

 struck in different storms. In both cases the white hairs were con- 

 sumed, while the red ones escaped. 



Treatment. So long as the beating of the heart is perceptible, 

 the endeavor to resuscitate the animal should be continued. Dash 

 cold water over the head and body ; rub the body and legs ; smartly 

 whip the body with wet towels or switches. Mustard, mixed with 

 water, should be well rubbed over the legs and back of the head on 

 each side of the neck. Inject into the rectum 4 drams of stronger 

 liquor ammonia, or 1% ounces of hartshorn diluted with a quart of 

 warm water. Cautiously hold an uncorked bottle of hartshorn to the 

 nostrils, so that some of it is inhaled, but care should be taken that 

 too much is not suddenly inhaled. 



In desperate cases artificial respiration should be tried, as fol- 

 lows : With both hands spread out to cover a large surface, press on 

 the abdomen (behind the ribs) and then on the chest (behind the 

 shoulders) , and continue in this manner, first on the abdomen and 

 then on the chest in regular order, so that the chest and the abdomen 

 are each pressed on alternately about twenty times a minute. The 

 pressure should be slow and steady, so that the movement given by it 

 to the walls of the chest and abdomen will resemble their motion in 

 breathing. A hand bellows may be used as an aid to the foregoing 

 method, as follows : Each time after the chest is pressed on the nozzle 

 is inserted in the nostril and air slowly and gently forced in by the 

 bellows. 



When the animal revives sufficiently to be able to swallow, 4 

 drams of the stronger liquor ammonia, diluted with a quart of cold 

 water, should be given as a drench, and the dose should be repeated 

 in an hour. One and one-half ounces of ordinary hartshorn may be 

 used instead of the stronger liquor ammonia, but, like the latter, it 

 should be diluted with a quart or more of water, and even then care 

 should be exercised in drenching. 



In cases when the shock has not caused complete insensibility, 

 recovery may be hastened by the ammonia and water drench, or 4 

 ounces of brandy diluted with a quart of water, or 8 ounces of whisky 

 diluted with a quart of water. These doses may be given every three 

 or four hours, if necessary. After recovery from the more serious 

 symptoms, 2 drams of sulphate of quinine should be given twice a 

 day until health is restored. If any paralysis remains, 1% drams of 



