756 DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES. 



" The color of the motion is always an index to the cause of the diarrhoea, and, with 

 this point established, its treatment by appropriate means can be rationally conducted. 

 When the motion is yellowish-white, the diarrhoea is chiefly dependent on simple weak- 

 ness of digestion, and in such cases a couple of raw eggs, with their shells, or the whites 

 of two eggs with some chalk, may probably be of service ; or should this treatment 

 not suffice for the cure, it may be followed by the administration of an infusion of oak 

 bark, or peppermint root in starch. On the other hand, when the motion is of deep 

 golden yellow color, slimy and tough, and the orifice of the anus irritated, the liver is 

 at fault, and laxative and strengthening medicines are called for. These are best given 

 in the form of rhubarb and Epsom salts, three or four times a day, in half a pint of 

 linseed tea. Again, if the motion be slightly colored, and have no appreciable smell, 

 but is still accompanied by pain in the passage, the diarrhoea is dependent on the 

 inflammatory condition of the intestines, and is best treated by decoctions of linseed, 

 or by infusions of marsh-mallow or of camomile flowers, either given internally, or admin- 

 istered as clysters. A decoction of bruised bitter almonds (125 grammes in a pint of 

 new milk) has also proved useful in such cases. In Switzerland, and in the Tyrol, 

 diarrhcea dependent on inflammation is generally treated by camomile infusions, and 

 that caused by weakness of digestion by coffee. In France the former class of cases is 

 treated by mallow flowers, and the latter by broth made from mutton bones, or by 

 rennet. In Holland and Oldenburgh the means chiefly relied upon are infusions of 

 hops. 



" All the above methods are good if applied early, and if the cases are sporadic only ; 

 but when the calves generally are attacked soon after birth, presenting such symptoms 

 as diminished appetite, debility, constant passage of yellowish-white modons, and fits of 

 cramp, they are generally of little avail. In such cases the calves are but secondarily 

 affected, and the proximate cause of mischief must be looked for in the mother Cows, 

 whose condition of blood will generally be found at fault. Till this fact is recognized, 

 all treatment of the calves is but lost. Where diarrhoea is generally prevalent among 

 the calves, the Cow's coat will usually be found in an unhealthy condition — the hair 

 rough and dull, its roots colorless, and its skin covered with a crust or scale. The milk 

 of such Cows, tested with litmus paper, invariably exhibits an acid reaction. To cor- 

 rect this faulty condition of blood, it has been my practice to give them a lick-bit of 

 bitter aromatics three or four times a week. The preparation employed is a mixture of 

 equal parts of calamus root, juniper berries, and gentian in powder, to which a spoonful 

 of salt is added A handful of rye meal is sprinkled over it, and the powder placed in 

 a dry state at the bottom of the crib, food being withheld for an hour or so after the 

 dose has been taken. At the same time, to promote an increased action of the skin, 

 the ordinary curry-combing and brushing is supplemented by a vigorous rubbing-down 

 of the whole body, more especially of the flanks, belly and back, with wisps of straw. 

 In a few weeks such treatment proves successful, a healthy appearance of skin and 

 hair gradually returning, while the milk regains its normal wholesome condition, and can 

 be taken by the calves without danger of a return of diarrhoea. Of course, careful 

 attention is also given to the diet, all injurious substances being scrupulously avoided. 

 Such calves as fell victimsto the disease were examined after death, and in no case were 

 any organic changes detected, but the stomach and neck of the bladder were invariably 

 found swollen, the intestines inflamed, and the milk contained in them curdled. The 

 rationale of treatment is to promote the secretion of bile, to neutralize the acidity of the 

 mother's milk, and to support the strength. Powerful medicines are too drastic in 

 their effects, and even if successful in checking the diarrhoea, bring on convulsions which 

 often prove fatal. I have found the administration of small powders of opium and car- 

 bonate of magnesia, given once, twice, or thrice a day, according to the severity of the 

 attack, extremely useful. 



" To all bleeding and issues, often so strongly recommended, I am decidedly opposed, 

 since they cannot possibly exercise any influence on organic disease, and simply serve 

 to weaken the patients still further. As a preventive against diarrhoea, it is often 

 recommended to place lumps of chalk in the rack for the calves to help themselves 

 from. To this practice also I am strongly opposed. Though commonly eaten readily 

 enough by young animals, chalk is far too irritating and constipating in its effects to be 

 good for them. The occasional use of bicarbonate of soda is in all respects far pref- 

 erable. 



" In many districts it is the practice to draw off by hand the first portion of milk 

 found in the udder after calving, before allowing the calf access to the teat. Nature has, 

 however, specially provided this peculiarly constituted milk for the benefit of the new- 

 born calf, and many later ailments of digestion would undoubtedly be avoided if it were 

 allowed this gentle natural purge. Any one who can overcome this prejudice against 

 its use, and let Nature have her way, will be saved endless worry and trouble in the 

 constant physicing of young live stock." 



