'J70 Alony ..r Ihc K(irc-st..iii:i.-lis. 



and expiration is aofoiiipaiiitMl hv groaniiiii- and sighing, partic- 

 nlarly on lying down. Tliore also occurs not uncommonly grat- 

 ing of the teeth. In one case Petersen observed a dry cough 

 after the disease had existed eight days. 



The sensorinm frequently does not manifest any disturb- 

 ance for a long time, even if emaciation is already present, ex- 

 cept perhaps that the annuals are rather sluggish and lie down 

 a good deal. Sometimes the patients are somewhat excited and 

 show twitching (Petersen). 



In the further course of the disease or with complete lack 

 of appetite, the general debility becomes more and more marked 

 and the gait becomes staggering. Exceptionally one observes 

 in male animals, also in cows, paretic conditions similar to the 

 prostration of cows (Wucher) or to parturient paresis (Sticker, 

 Schell, Eber). 



In the further course, emaciation and weakness become 

 more and more manifest, the eyes sink in, the hair becomes 

 harsh, the skin dry and the dental pad, which is dry from the 

 start, becomes furrowed with clefts. The secretion of milk de- 

 creases and finally stops entirely. 



In secondary atony we are sometimes able to recognize 

 SATnptoms due to the underlying fundamental condition. 



Chronic gastro-intestinal catarrh of cows after calving begins within 

 the first week after parturition Avith sluggishness of the gastric move- 

 ments and diminution of appetite ; soon marked emaciation, which is 

 out of all proportion to the diminution of appetite, becomes noticeable. 

 A peculiar sweetish smell emanates from the mouth and pervades 

 the whole barn. The milk likewise has a peculiar disagreeable smell. 

 The disease lasts several weeks and if not treated properly leads to 

 cachexia and death. Inflation of air into the udder leads to speedy 

 recovery which may also be caused though not in all cases by the 

 administration of certain medicines. 



Tn young calves the disturbances appear a few days after improper 

 feeding (Imminger). The first symptom is violent diarrhea which 

 may last for eight to ten days and may then stop suddenly. The fluid 

 feces then become firm and gi'ay and have an intensely fetid odor. As 

 soon as scouring stops, the general condition is much disturbed and 

 the previously good appetite is suppressed. Then chronic meteorisra 

 appears either very gradually or on the contrary very rapidly, and 

 it is so intense that the rumen becomes much dilated and presses upon 

 the rectum (Bitard). As a rule bloating occurs after each feeding and 

 lasts six to tAventy-four hours. As l)loating occurs the animals become 

 listless and curve their back. An elevation of temperature also occurs. 

 After some time considerable emaciation is observed. 



Course. Aside from acute cases which under proper treat- 

 ment and diet end in recovery almost without exception, atony 

 which has become chronic has a very variable course, and tem- 

 porary improvements alternate with aggravation at variable 

 intervals. 



