528 SPORADIC DISEASES. 



after parturition in order to prevent this disease, I will quote 

 a parallel from human pathology. 



Niemeyer says, under the head Hypertrophy of the Heart — 

 " Such patients must beware of immoderate eating and drinking, 

 in order to avoid the plethora which, although but transient, 

 always follows the free use of food and drink. How often 

 does the long-threatening apoplexy set in in the midst of 

 the plethora which has developed after a long and hearty meal ] 

 In this connection, I may mention an act of folly which I have 

 often seen practised by tavern-keepers and itinerant wine- 

 dealers. The latter suppose that by a free use of water they 

 can counteract the pernicious influences to which they expose 

 themselves, although it is evident that the plethora arising after 

 a full meal would only be increased by an immoderate addition 

 of fluid." 



When consciousness has returned, and the animal seems in 

 a fair way of recovery, no medicines should be administered ; 

 but if at any time there are signs of exhaustion or sickness, 

 small doses of spirits of nitrous ether and water may be ad- 

 ministered, provided the animal is conscious and can swallow 

 freely. 



In some instances the appetite is inordinate immediately after 

 consciousness has returned ; the animal will greedily devour any 

 hay or straw that may be about it. This must be prevented 

 by muzzling it at once, or a fatal attack of indigestion witli 

 tympanites will be the invariable result. Small quantities of 

 water or thin gruel may, however, be allowed, and all food 

 given very sparingly until rumination has been fully re- 

 established. 



There are two sequelse which often annoy the practitioner 

 when he has congratulated himself upon a successful case, 

 namely, congestion of the lungs, and paralysis of one or both 

 hind extremities. 



Congestion of the lungs appears about the third or fourth 

 day. The cow, in the meantime, having perliaps been on its 

 feet repeatedly, giving milk freely, &c., suddenly begins to 

 breathe heavily and quickly, the pulse becomes oppressed 

 and rapid, and the animal quickly sinks. In some instances 

 the lung complication is due to inflammation of the bronchial 

 tubes, excited by the incautious administration of fluids during 



