288 FEVERS OF HORNED CATTLE. 



FEVERS OF HORNED CATTLE. 



The fevers of neat cattle have many absurd, though, 

 under some points of view, expressive names, as Hoose, 

 Distemper, Black quarter, Joint felon, Quarter evil, Quarter 

 ill, Shewt of Blood, Joint murrain. Striking in of the blood, 

 Black leg, Blain of the tongue, S)C. S)C. In some years these 

 febrile affections rage as epidemics, either from too luxu- 

 rious pasturage, or it seems sometimes through a sudden 

 removal from a meagre to a more nutritious feed ; hence 

 they are very common among the droves brought from 

 the north into the luxurious southern, midland, and western 

 districts. Fever is sudden in its attack, and rapid in its 

 progress, in its early state presenting highly inflammatory 

 appearances, which are very apt to degenerate into a low 

 and putrid type. The first symptoms usually betrayed are 

 general stiffness of the limbs ; a dull heavy countenance ; 

 red eylids and nostrils ; pulse sometimes quick and hard, at 

 others not much altered in number ; breathing accelerated 

 and sometimes difficult, evinced by the open mouth and 

 outstretched head ; stools either in balls or slimy, and 

 usually of a drier consistence than natural. It is often 

 attended with great stupidity and disinclination to move, 

 but occasionally there is much restlessness ; debility comes 

 on early, particularly in the hinder quarters ; and by the 

 second day the animal can only remain standing for a short 

 time. Rumination and inclination for food cease ; the 

 breath emits a foetid exhalation, and frequently on the 

 second day a critical deposit takes place, which terminates 

 the inflammatory action. This deposit, in some animals, 

 proves to be an universal diffusion of bloody serum tlu'ough- 

 out the cellular membrane ; in others, tumours form on the 

 joints, or on the back or belly. From the putrid tendency 

 in some instances, a quantity of gas is likewise let loose 

 within the cellular membrane, which produces a crackling 

 under the skin when pressed upon by the hand. The secre- 

 tions are stopped, and the mouth, &c. emit a horrible foctor. 

 Under which symptoms, unless speedily relieved, the animal 

 sinks. 



Wood-evil, pantas, and moor-ill, may with propriety suc- 

 ceed the above. Variable symptoms, however, will, without 



