520 THE DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE OX. 



possible decided, is the cause to which the disorder is due, and 

 especially if the diarrhoea is the result of local irritation, or if it 

 be due to some general blood disease. If the latter, then the 

 disease itself should be attacked. It may at first sight seem 

 strange that now and again the best treatment for simple, 

 uncomplicated diarrhoea may be found in the administration of 

 mild laxatives, and especially those of a bland and oleaginous 

 and gentle nature. Sometimes we may find it advisable to try 

 a few soothing enemas. Manifestly, the purpose of these 

 measures is the removal of any irritating materials which may be 

 present. Great care, however, must be exercised in using any 

 aperients whatsoever. The patient must be very carefully 

 attended to. Mineral tonics and mild astringents are very 

 useful, and tincture of opium is very greatly to be recommended, 

 if there be much pain. 



If the liver is sluggish in its action, it is well to give one 

 drachm of calomel mixed with one drachm of powdered opium 

 to adult oxen. The calomel increases the action of the liver, 

 and the opium arrests the diarrhoea itself, and also keeps in 

 check any undue purgative action of the calomel. The following 

 formula may be useful, in case there is no torpidity of the liver 

 to be observed : — Powdered opium (two drachms), catechu (two 

 drachms), galls (two drachms), prepared chalk (one ounce). 

 The mixture may be given in a pint of warm water twice daily. 

 If there are scrofulous tumours, compounds of iodine and copper 

 salts may be tried. Of the compounds of copper the ammonio- 

 sulphate and the iodide are perhaps the best for this purpose. 



The food-supply should be most carefully examined with the 

 view of detecting faults of any kind whatsoever. The water 

 may be bad, the cake used may contain mustard, the herbage 

 may be rank, or it may be laxative from other causes (as is said 

 to be the case in the scouring lands of Somersetshire and else- 

 where). The aliment should be supplied in smaller quantity, if 

 it has been full. Moreover, the food should be changed, very 

 little water being allowed, and the diet should certainly not be 

 laxative in nature. Gruel made with starch or wheaten flour 

 may be substituted for the water with benefit, on account of the 

 astringent properties possessed. Strict cleanliness, warmth, and 

 ventilation are all most necessary. Exercise should be entirely 

 discontinued. 



