APOPLEXY FROM CONGESTION. 529 



the comatose stage ; such fluids having passed into the trachea 

 and lungs, and causing inflammation, which is manifested whilst 

 the animal is otherwise recovering. An abundant secretion 

 of mucus, with cough and mucous rales, indicate this, but 

 undoubtedly congestion of the pulmonary system arises fre- 

 quently, and independently of the irritation of foreign agents 

 in the bronchial tubes, and is due to the mal-condition of the 

 blood, resulting from retention within it of effete materials, and 

 from debility of the heart's action. It is best treated with 

 stimulants and hot fomentations to the sides. It is, however, 

 very fatal. 



The other sequel, namely, paralysis of the hind extremities, 

 very often baffles all attempts to overcome it, and is due to 

 inflammation and red softening of the cord in the lumbar region. 

 If the cow is not up about the second day after conscious- 

 ness has returned and after it has commenced to improve, 

 paralysis may be expected to be present. It is very true that 

 some cows, out of sheer obstinacy, will refuse to rise upon their 

 feet, although the practitioner knows well enough they can do 

 so if they like. 



Many a cow will do this until it sees some liateful object, 

 such as a dog — and it is a common practice to introduce a dog 

 into the byre — when her ladyship very soon takes to her feet. 

 This is a harmless, and sometimes a very effectual practice. 

 At other times, believing that paralysis is present, and is to be 

 overcome by severe counter irritation, the veterinary surgeon has 

 applied the actual cautery to the lumbar region. The touch of 

 the hot iron has been enough ; with a loud bellow and a dash, 

 it has jumped to its feet, and, if not fastened, has made good 

 use of its hitherto supposed paralyzed legs. 



When paralysis is actually present, and if the animal is in 

 good condition, it is better to make it into beef, as too often 

 the use of the limbs is never restored, more especially if it is 

 a heavy, fat cow. 



The treatment consists in the application of the actual cautery 

 to the loins ; blisters, purgatives, succeeded by iodide of potas- 

 sium and diuretics, to excite the absorption of any exudation 

 which may press upon the cord, and finally nux vomica and 

 sulphate of iron. In some instances one leg only is paralyzed, 

 and the animal is able to rise with a little assistance. Many 



2 m 



