468 



THE STOCK OWNER S ADVISER. 



just after parturition, and generally at the birth of the second or 

 third calf. It occurs ^Yhere grasses are very fine, rarely being 

 seen, in badly-fed cattle. The disease runs its course in twelve 

 to twenty-four hours. 



Symptoms. — The animal suddenly becomes dull and hangs the 

 head; as the disease develops, the patient shows uneasiness, rest- 

 ing first upon one set of limbs and then upon another. The flow 



Fig. 137— Parturient Apoplexy. 



of milk is greatly decreased, rumination ceases, and the cow 

 ceases to notice her calf. On attempting to walk, she moves with 

 a paddling gait, breathes heavily, and the respirations quicken. 

 She soon falls heavily to the ground, and, becoming excited, 

 makes great effort to regain her feet; but in a very short time 

 becomes com'atose, with head drawn around to the side. If the 

 head be straightened and tJien freed, it will immediately return 

 to the side with a thump. This is the diagnostic symptom of 

 the disease. The eyes are now amaurotic and the cornea devoid 

 of sensibility. The breathing at times is scarcely perceptible; 

 at other times of stertorous character. The urine at this stage 

 ceases to pass, the bowels do not act, and tympanites appears. 



